TDS Desk:

Tazul Islam not only oversaw rampant corruption and authoritarianism within his ministry, but he also established a regime of terror and graft in his own constituency. However, there were two departments under his ministry that stood out as exceptions. Tazul did not interfere directly in their day-to-day affairs. Instead, there existed a unique monthly financial arrangement with them. The heads of these two departments operated with full autonomy, but they were bound by an informal agreement to keep Tazul financially “satisfied” on a regular basis.

These two departments were the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and WASA (Water Supply and Sewerage Authority). The heads of these bodies maintained a standing agreement with the minister to provide regular payments. In exchange, Tazul and his ministry refrained from interfering in their operations.

LGED, founded by Dr. Kamrul Islam Siddiqui, has historically contributed to infrastructure and road development across Bangladesh. Donors have long had strong interest in its activities. Once a reputable agency, LGED has gradually become a hotbed of corruption, particularly over the past 15 years under the Awami League government. Its downfall was most visible after Tazul became minister in 2018.

Initially, Tazul did try to influence projects through his personal staff. But soon, the then Chief Engineer of LGED met with him and struck a secret corruption pact—he would provide anything Tazul wanted, in return for freedom to operate. From then on, Tazul no longer interfered in LGED affairs. Instead, LGED began covering many of his personal and political expenses—from rallies, foreign trips, house renovations, to even personal chefs.

Investigations revealed that Tazul and his family permanently used 12 LGED vehicles, with drivers and maintenance fully funded by LGED. One Pajero was allocated solely for his chef’s grocery runs—even for family visits to their village. Between 2018 and 2021, Tazul reportedly traveled to Singapore six times for “advanced medical treatment,” each time fully funded by LGED. The then Chief Engineer of LGED even traveled to Singapore a day after each of Tazul’s visits and paid his medical bills, as evidenced by signed documents from Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

Tazul allegedly used LGED like his personal property—intervening only to appoint loyalists to the Chief Engineer position to protect the corrupt arrangement. According to insiders, Tazul received 100 million BDT (10 crore) to install his preferred candidate, Ali Akhter Hossain, as LGED Chief Engineer. LGED’s resources were also used for family events, weddings, and even private business. His wife’s land and home projects in Chattogram and the Chittagong Hill Tracts were allegedly developed using LGED funds and staff.

Tazul reportedly told close associates, “Thanks to LGED, I don’t have to spend anything on my ministry or home—LGED pays for it all.” This made LGED his so-called “gold mine,” and turned a once-praised institution into a shadow of its former self.

BUT ONE GOLD MINE WASN’T ENOUGH

Tazul’s sights were also set on WASA, which was under the control of Taqsem A. Khan, appointed as Managing Director by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2009. Despite multiple controversies and public outrage, Taqsem remained in office for 15 years—much like the ruling party’s grip on power. When then-Minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain attempted to remove Taqsem, his efforts were blocked by the Prime Minister herself.

Learning from the past, Tazul took a different approach. Instead of opposing Taqsem, he struck a deal with him. In return for uninterrupted looting, Taqsem allegedly gifted Tazul three properties in the United States—in New York and Florida. As a U.S. citizen, Taqsem oversaw these acquisitions, reportedly at Tazul’s request. Additionally, Taqsem is said to have helped Tazul’s wife and children buy property in Canada.

In exchange, Tazul would swiftly approve WASA files and protect Taqsem from any scrutiny. Taqsem became Tazul’s key enabler for overseas investments—including properties in Dubai, the Middle East, the U.S., and Canada. If anyone in WASA dared to speak against Taqsem, Tazul acted swiftly to silence them—even removing the WASA chairman for voicing dissent.

Analysts say Tazul redefined corruption through LGED and WASA. While the government may seize his domestic assets, no concrete steps have yet been taken to trace or recover his international holdings. Without such action, the full scope of Tazul’s corruption will remain unknown.