Staff Correspondent 

Serious  allegations of administrative mismanagement, decision paralysis, and project stagnation have been alleged  against Md Shaugatul Alam, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) popularly known as Metro Rail and a  high-level government investigation is  demanded. 

A written complaint submitted to the  Prime Minister on October 29 by Azizur Rahman, a concerned citizen, demands an immediate probe into the affairs of the capital's flagship urban transit system. According to the petition, administrative bottlenecks and procedural delays under Shaugatul Alam have severely hampered operational momentum and derailed timeline targets for ongoing expansions.

The complaint raises sharp questions regarding his appointment, noting that he served as curator at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novotheatre between 2022 and 2026, where he was allegedly involved in partisan promotional activities under the previous administration. Critics question how an official with such a background secured the top executive role in a major national infrastructure project.

Growing internal discontent has already led to the resignation of at least three key officials, who cited misbehavior and flawed policy decisions by the managing director. Serious concerns have also been raised regarding the maintenance of existing facilities, electrical grid stability, and quality control across ongoing construction sites.

Furthermore, administrative hurdles created under current management have strained relations with key foreign partners and contractors, including Japan's Marubeni Corporation, raising fears of project delays and disrupted foreign investment flows.

The petition outlines six specific demands -an impartial inquiry into the Managing Director's administrative and financial decisions ; a comprehensive technical and administrative audit of the metro system ;a  formal review of his appointment qualifications and hiring process ; appropriate legal and administrative action if irregularities or corruption are proven ;the immediate implementation of robust oversight mechanisms to prevent project stagnation and safeguarding relationships with international financial and technical partners.

Copies of the complaint have been forwarded to the ministries of Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping. Attempts to reach DMTCL Managing Director Md Shaugatul Alam for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to messages sent to his WhatsApp.