Application for public interest : Public Administration Ministry orders probe into corruption allegations against Railway DG Afzal
Special Correspondent
The Ministry of Public Administration has directed the Ministry of Railways to investigate serious allegations of corruption, illegal promotions, and money laundering against Bangladesh Railway Director General (DG) Md. Afzal Hossain.
The directive was issued following a formal complaint filed by Md. Hemayet Hossain, Secretary General of the human rights organization Society for Enforcement of Basic Rights (SEBR).
According to a memorandum signed by Asinur Jahan Nila, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Public Administration Ministry's Discipline-2 Branch on July 22, the Railway Ministry was instructed to take necessary actions after looking into the attached written complaint. Previously, the Administration-3 branch of the Ministry of Railways issued a separate order demanding an investigation report within 15 working days.
Seniority violations, unlawful appointments :
The SEBR complaint alleges that Afzal Hossain was appointed to the highest post of Director General (Grade 1) in violation of established rules. He was ranked 22nd on the merit list as a Grade-3 officer, bypassing Parth Sarkar, a BUET graduate who secured 1st place in the 10th BCS combined merit list. Additionally, while serving as a Grade-4 officer, he was illegally appointed as Project Director (PD) for the Grade-2 Padma Bridge Rail Link Project, jumping over senior officers.
Financial irregularities, substandard materials :
The complaint highlights severe financial anomalies in several mega projects:
- Padma Bridge Rail Link Project: Audit objections amounting to Tk 13,500 crore were raised after original contract items were cancelled and re-estimated at lump-sum prices—a direct violation of the Public Procurement Act, 2006. Low-quality brick chips were allegedly allowed instead of stone for embankment construction, giving the contractor illegal benefits worth hundreds of crores.
- Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line: As project director, he allegedly received undue benefits from an Indian contractor for substandard work and embezzled vast sums by increasing the contract price of the Rupsha Bridge by nearly Tk 300 cr.
- Fake Billing and Stone Scam: While serving as Chief Engineer (West), he reportedly submitted fake bills and vouchers for 25–30% stone delivery, causing a loss of Tk 3.4094 crore to the government exchequer.
Money laundering and influence :
Despite multiple ongoing investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Afzal Hossain was appointed DG without any clearance certificate. The complaint further states that he and his associates laundered illicitly acquired funds to Australia via hundi—an offense under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, and the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004. He has also been accused of pressuring subordinates to favor specific syndicates and contractors.
In the interest of public service and governance, SEBR Secretary General Md. Hemayet Hossain has demanded a high-level special committee to thoroughly investigate these allegations, cancel Afzal Hossain's promotion, and ensure legal accountability.
