Md. Lavlu Sheikh, Lalmonirhat

The regional office of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) in Lalmonirhat has reportedly been transformed into a de facto residential lodge, complete with furnished bedrooms, cooking facilities, and overnight stays for officials and staff in violation of government administrative rules.

Operating from a rented two-story building due to a lack of its own permanent complex, the office presents a normal exterior. However, an on-site investigation revealed extensive residential setups across both floors.

On the ground floor, a room designated as a storehouse for official goods is currently used as living quarters by Khairul Islam, a fourth-class employee holding additional cash-control duties. The room is fitted with a fully set bed and various kitchen utensils.

On the second floor, adjacent to the Executive Engineer's room, a glass-partitioned rest area has been set up with bedding and cooking appliances where Executive Engineer Md. Nazmul Huda reportedly resides and cooks. A cleaner, whose salary is drawn from the government exchequer, is assigned to cook meals for the official.

Additionally, four temporary master-roll employees work round-the-clock shifts to attend to the office and manage personal errands. Allegations have also emerged that the official government vehicle is frequently misused for personal travel to Bogura.

"Sir uses the inner room as a rest house and stays there when working as he hasn't rented a residence nearby," said Md. Rafiqul Islam, Office Assistant cum Computer Operator. "A worker cooks our meals, and Khairul Islam stays on the ground floor to manage cash duties and guard the premises at night."

Moyna Begum, the temporary worker assigned to the kitchen, confirmed that she cooks meals for meetings as well as daily food for the Executive Engineer, who slumbers in the upper room. Local vendor Manik Mia also verified that vegetable and grocery purchases for the office kitchen have been a routine occurrence since the current Executive Engineer assumed charge.

When contacted via phone, employee Khairul Islam disclosed, "I previously stayed in rented accommodation, but Sir asked me to leave the house and reside inside the office. I didn't want to stay there, but I do so under his instructions."

Under standard public administrative protocols, official workspaces cannot be converted into residential quarters. Utilizing cooking stoves inside government offices poses severe fire hazards, while unauthorized overnight stays by non-security personnel constitute a punishable offense.

Denying the allegations of permanent residency, BMDA Executive Engineer Md. Nazmul Huda stated, "We have applied for land allocation and are currently operating from rented premises. Master-roll staff were retained for security due to manpower shortages. The bedrooms are meant for visiting guests or officers arriving late at night. As for cooking, we prepare lunch inside because I avoid eating food from external hotels during office hours." However, he failed to present any official authorization permitting residential arrangements within the office premises.

The Lalmonirhat BMDA regional office was formally established in 2023 after separating from Kurigram to streamline irrigation and groundwater management for local farmers. The misuse of public infrastructure has sparked widespread criticism among local conscious citizens.