Staff Correspondent:

Over the past 16 years under the fallen Awami League regime, Bangladesh Railways witnessed massive investments—matched only by rampant corruption.

From engine procurement and train purchases to the acquisition of protective gear during the pandemic, irregularities plagued nearly every aspect of the sector. Expenditures in mega projects were heavily inflated, turning development into a lucrative avenue for looting.

Each minister, during their tenure, unleashed a new wave of graft. Long before any goals were achieved, Bangladesh Railways had already derailed.

According to the Ministry of Railways, development projects worth nearly Tk3 trillion were undertaken during the 16-year period. Of these, 95 projects have been completed, costing over Tk1.25 trillion.

Sources reveal widespread corruption in tenders, recruitment, transfers, and lease dealings. The proceeds were not limited to the ministers alone—lower-level officials were also involved in embezzlement and kickbacks.

After assuming office, Md Mujibul Haque—a farmer’s son from Chauddagram, Cumilla—embraced a lavish lifestyle. He even got married at the age of 67. Nurul Islam Sujan followed a similar path, marrying for the second time after becoming railway minister, with his wife later alleged to have engaged in corrupt practices as well.

The last railway minister of the AL regime, Md Zillul Hakim, formed a powerful commission-based syndicate within just seven months of taking office.

Railway data shows that 93 trains were cancelled during the tenures of these three ministers. Under Sujan alone, engine failures disrupted operations 203 times in 2022 and 273 times in 2023.

The rampant corruption under the last government has deepened Bangladesh Railway’s financial woes, creating serious obstacles to reform. The current administration is now burdened with those challenges.

On 26 March, at an event in Kamalapur Railway Station, Railway Ministry adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan remarked, “To earn Tk1, Bangladesh Railways must spend Tk2.5. This is due to two main reasons—corruption and wastage. We are taking effective measures to curb both.”

Former Director General of Bangladesh Railway Md Shamsuzzaman echoed the sentiment, stressing that political will is essential to curb irregularities, which have long stemmed from political interference.

During the Awami League’s time in power, five individuals served as railway ministers: Suranjit Sengupta, Obaidul Quader, Md Mujibul Haque, Md Nurul Islam Sujan, and Md Zillul Hakim. Of them, Mujibul Haque and Sujan held the post the longest.

The Ministry of Railways was formed on 4 December 2011. From 2012 onwards, a series of mega projects commenced. Suranjit Sengupta was appointed the first minister of the new ministry. In a famous quip, he once said, “There’s a black cat in the railways.” But on 9 April 2012, during his tenure, his APS Omar Faruk Talukder and two other officials were caught in Dhaka with Tk7 million in recruitment bribes. Suranjit was forced to resign just a week later, on 16 April. He passed away in 2017.

Panchagarh-2 MP Nurul Islam Sujan became railway minister on 8 January 2019. His tenure was marred by frequent rail accidents and corruption allegations, eventually leading to his removal on 11 January 2024.

Sujan ordered a Tk1 billion feasibility study for a bullet train between Dhaka and Chattogram—a project that never materialised. He also halted services in various regions while launching five new intercity trains in his own constituency.

In the name of Mujib Borsho, more than Tk2 billion was spent on coach and infrastructure renovations—much of it allegedly misused. Sujan and his associates reportedly took commissions from inflated projects. Meetings with contractors and project directors were often held at his residence to manipulate costs.

Major infrastructure projects like Akhaura–Laksam, Dohazari–Cox’s Bazar, and the Padma Bridge rail link saw significant cost escalations during his tenure. Purchases were frequently made without tender, including protective gear during the pandemic. Despite clear evidence, instead of taking disciplinary action, Sujan promoted many of the implicated officials.

A three-member inquiry committee, led by Joint Secretary Faizur Rahman Faruki, later found that equipment worth Tk46.5 million had been procured from several contractors without proper procedure. Though 21 Eastern Railway officials were implicated, 10 of the main accused were promoted instead of punished.

Sujan also allegedly shielded ticketing contractor Shohoz.com despite multiple irregularities, pushing for continued contracts and favours in exchange for commission.

Large contracts were awarded to Toma Construction and Max Infrastructure Ltd—owned by AL figures Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan Manik and Golam Mohammad Alamgir, respectively. Sources say the real driving force behind these deals was former state minister and AL organisational secretary Mirza Azam, who exerted heavy influence over Sujan.

On 5 June 2022, at age 65, Sujan married Shammi Akhter of Dinajpur. She reportedly took control of several contractors and project directors. On 16 September, Sujan was arrested in a corruption case.

Before Sujan, Md Mujibul Haque served as railway minister from 16 September 2012. Over nearly seven years, he became immensely wealthy through what insiders describe as “layered corruption.” Most major projects were initiated under his leadership, often with inflated costs and no feasibility studies.

The cost of the Rajbari–Tungipara line, implemented by Max and Toma, rose from Tk11.01 billion in 2010 to Tk20.35 billion by 2018—an increase of Tk9.34 billion, most of which was allegedly misappropriated. Mujib also benefitted from inflated costs in projects like Pabna–Ishwardi–Dhalarchar and Dohazari–Cox’s Bazar. The latter project’s cost skyrocketed from Tk18 billion to Tk180 billion.

In 2014, at age 67, Mujib married Honufa Akhter Rikta from Mirakhala, Cumilla. Locals allege she married him out of greed. In his 2018 election affidavit, Mujib declared an annual income of Tk28.8 million, while Honufa declared Tk26.4 million. By 2023, their assets had ballooned to Tk46.6 million each.

Mujib developed a fondness for luxury and foreign travel, frequently visiting Singapore and Dubai. During his tenure, he amassed properties including a hotel and filling station near Kotbari, Cumilla; Kakri Tower in Miabazar, Chauddagram; a duplex in Tax Office area in Cumilla city; commercial space on Nazrul Avenue; flats in Darus Safid and Silver Crescent buildings; an 8,000 sq ft flat in Dhanmondi; luxury jeeps, and houses in the capital’s Dhaka Uddan and Agargaon.

On 17 February, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed two cases against Mujib and his wife for illegally acquiring assets worth Tk106.7 million.

Md Zillul Hakim was appointed railway minister on 11 January 2024. Soon after assuming office, he reportedly formed a syndicate with contractors and project officials. The ACC is now probing allegations that he and his family laundered Tk30 billion through land grabbing, tenders, recruitment, and transfers.

He owns several properties in Dhaka’s Uttara and Banani areas, as well as 700 bighas of land across three upazilas in Rajbari. He also owns the Orchard Hotel and Restaurant near Banani Supermarket. On 16 January, the ACC filed cases against Zillul, his wife Saeeda Hakim, and son Ashik Mahmud, stating that Zillul alone owns Tk242.9 million in undisclosed assets.