Staff Correspondent

Severe allegations of widespread irregularities, nepotism, and bribery have surfaced regarding the recruitment of outsourcing personnel under the Local Government Engineering Department's (LGED) 'Climate Resilient Local Infrastructure Project' (CRLIP).

Victims and job seekers have accused a syndicate centering project official Nawrin of including preferred candidates on the final selection list through illegal financial transactions ranging from Tk 4 lakh to Tk 5 lakh depending on the post. According to various sources and media reports, this recruitment corruption and nepotism are masterminded by Nawrin and a powerful syndicate surrounding her.

According to relevant sources, the syndicate became active right after the publication of job notices for various positions under the LGED's climate-resilient local infrastructure project through outsourcing. Disregarding examinations and qualifications, the process of appointing pre-selected individuals in exchange for hefty sums of money was finalized, drawing extreme anger and frustration from qualified and meritorious job seekers.

A job seeker who fell victim to irregularities in the recruitment process, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Despite having all required certificates and qualifications as per the circular, Tk 4 to 5 lakh was directly demanded under the pretext of viva and subsequent stages. As I could not pay the money, I was excluded from the list completely irregularly, while those who paid money are being given priority."

Meanwhile, allegations are rife that this recruitment process is being conducted completely illegally, in blatant violation of the outsourcing guidelines of the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA). Ignoring government public procurement rules and transparency, the clique centering Nawrin is running a recruitment trade as they please.

When attempts were made to contact project official Nawrin regarding the allegations, she claimed that the matters of irregularities were baseless.

However, a high-ranking official of LGED stated that the allegations of corruption published in the media have come to their attention. If any officer or employee is found involved in irregularities and bribery in the recruitment process, strict legal and administrative measures will be taken against them following an impartial investigation.

In the overall situation, victimized job seekers and civil society representatives have demanded the formation of an impartial investigative committee involving the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), BPPA, and the Local Government Division to ensure exemplary punishment for those involved.

No comments could be obtained from Project Director Nawrin in this regard.