A group of Khulna WASA officials appointed during AL govt running ‘syndicate’ against newly- appointed DMD
Effat Sania Nancy, Khulna
The Convenor of the Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad, Khulna, and Treasurer of Khulna University Professor Mazharul Haque, along with other leaders of the organisation, have alleged that a group of officials appointed to Khulna WASA during the previous Awami League government is trying to discredit newly appointed Deputy Managing Director (DMD) Engineer Ariful Islam Jewel through what they described as “syndicated news reports.”
In a statement, the professional leaders alleged that several media outlets recently published reports under the headline, “DMD of Khulna WASA, a convicted AB leader,” which they termed false and part of a coordinated campaign against Engineer Jewel.
The statement claimed that allegations concerning irregularities in the construction of a Khulna University academic building had been wrongly attributed to Jewel. According to the statement, he was abroad with his ailing wife for medical treatment when the roof was cast. It further claimed that a three-member inquiry committee had found him not responsible for the incident.
The professional leaders alleged that a subsequent inquiry, allegedly formed during the tenure of the then university Vice-Chancellor Fayekuzzaman, later held Jewel responsible. They claimed that the subsequent disciplinary action was eventually cancelled through administrative and legal processes.
The statement also said Jewel had joined Khulna University as an assistant engineer and was later promoted to executive engineer based on his qualifications and performance. It alleged that despite applying for promotion to the post of deputy chief engineer according to the rules, he was denied the opportunity for more than a decade.
The leaders further alleged that Jewel had faced political harassment and professional discrimination during the previous 17 years and had remained active in various professional organisations and programmes despite what they described as an adverse political environment.
Khulna-based investigative journalist Abu Toyeb Munsi, quoted in the statement, said that the Anti-Corruption Commission had investigated allegations of irregularities in the construction of the Khulna University building at the time, but Jewel's name did not appear in the investigation, according to him.
He also alleged that corruption and irregularities in recruitment at Khulna WASA during the previous government had been the subject of controversy, including a writ petition before the High Court. He claimed that officials allegedly involved in such irregularities were still in influential positions and were behind the recent reports against Jewel in an attempt to conceal their alleged misconduct.
The statement further claimed that Jewel had been involved in political and professional activities for many years and had played an active role in various professional organisations.
The Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad said the reform process following the 2024 uprising had been obstructed by individuals who, according to the organisation, remained entrenched in different sectors.It claimed that Jewel had been attempting to place qualified and dedicated engineers in appropriate positions at Khulna WASA, which the reports had allegedly portrayed as an attempt to exert undue influence.
The organisation maintained that there were no proven allegations of corruption, misconduct or irregularities against Engineer Ariful Islam Jewel and alleged that previous accusations against him had been politically motivated.
The leaders called for an end to what they described as a campaign to damage his reputation and urged media outlets to thoroughly verify all information
before publishing reports. They also stressed the importance of presenting all relevant aspects of an incident to ensure objective and balanced journalism.
before publishing reports. They also stressed the importance of presenting all relevant aspects of an incident to ensure objective and balanced journalism.
