Photo : Messenger
Matiur Rahman, an officer with Western Railway, has remained at his current place of assignment for a remarkable 19 years, neglecting a transfer order for a decade. This intriguing information recently came to light during an investigation conducted by an intelligence agency, which is examining various irregularities and corruption within the railways.
Matiur Rahman holds the position of Sub-Assistant Engineer at Western Railway and is concurrently tasked with additional responsibilities as the Senior Assistant Engineer at the Chief Equipment Controller Office, Headquarters in Rajshahi. Detectives, scrutinising his involvement in a tender syndicate, have uncovered substantial evidence of amassed wealth.
It is anticipated that recommendations will be forwarded to the relevant department to prompt necessary actions against this official. However, when approached for comment, Western Railway Chief Engineer Asadul Haque informed The Daily Messenger that he is currently unaware of the situation. He assured that he will look into the matter and take appropriate action upon gathering more information.
It has come to light that in 2012, approximately a decade ago, Matiur Rahman was officially transferred to the Santahar SSAE/E office under Railway Saidpur. However, through skillful maneuvering and lobbying with higher-ups, he managed to retain his position at his former workplace in Rajshahi by taking on additional responsibilities. Consequently, despite the transfer, he has continued to operate from Rajshahi. On numerous occasions, his presence has been required in Rajshahi for the signing of essential files.
This situation has raised persistent questions over the years regarding the legitimacy of an officer remaining in their previous post after being officially transferred. Abu Muyid, the in-charge of the Santahar office (DCOS), expressed that the role of a senior assistant engineer is pivotal, yet Matiur Rahman only visits for one or two days per month. This irregular attendance has posed significant challenges for the smooth functioning of their operations in Santahar.
The office in-charge at Santahar, Abu Muyid (DCOS), emphasised the significance of the senior assistant engineer position, highlighting Matiur Rahman's infrequent visits, limited to one or two days per month. This irregular attendance has given rise to numerous challenges, adversely affecting the smooth functioning of their operations.
Expressing his frustration, Abu Muyid remarked, "I genuinely don't comprehend how one can manage an office in such a manner. Perhaps only senior officers can provide better insights into this perplexing situation."
Officials seeking anonymity have alleged that Matiur Rahman's involvement in the tender syndicate dates back to his tenure in the Rajshahi Chief Equipment Controller's Office. Throughout his role as Senior Assistant Engineer, these sources claim that he has amassed substantial wealth by participating in commissions, utilising confidential information regarding tenders and donors.
According to officials, Matiur Rahman has held a position of additional responsibility for over 10 years, neglecting his primary assignment. It is alleged that he is reluctant to relinquish this post, likely due to the substantial illicit wealth he has accumulated. However, his prolonged absence from Santahar has led to numerous challenges, including delays in work processes and difficulties in obtaining necessary signatures on work files.
According to the investigating officers, over the course of his 19-year career in the Railways, Matiur Rahman has acquired two upscale apartments in the Bhadra residential area of Rajshahi city. While he resides in one, the other is reportedly rented out. Additionally, he possesses land in Bhadra, Bank Colony, and Cityhat areas of Rajshahi. Notably, Matiur Rahman owns several cars, and intriguingly, he has been involved in contracting work at Rajshahi University using a contractor's license registered under his wife's name.
Officials revealed that Matiur Rahman covertly shared tender rates with specific contractors, receiving commissions in return whenever tenders were issued by the office. Allegedly, he distributed this commission money among certain office officials and retained the entirety in his possession. Through this clandestine practice of divulging advance information about tenders, he has effectively amassed significant wealth.
The reluctance to leave his current post in Rajshahi, even after a transfer to Santahar a decade ago, is attributed to the risk of losing this lucrative arrangement. It appears that influential support from senior officials has shielded him from the necessity of relocating, enabling him to remain in Rajshahi throughout his 19-year service tenure without having to go elsewhere.
Matiur Rahman, in response to these allegations, asserts that he was entrusted with additional responsibilities at the Rajshahi office due to his honesty and work efficiency. He claims that managing tasks in two locations is challenging for him. Despite expressing his difficulties to the authorities, he contends that he has not been relieved of this additional role. According to his statement, he allocates three days a week to work in Santahar and the remaining days to the responsibilities at the Rajshahi office.
In response to questions about his wealth, Matiur Rahman denies possessing significant assets. He maintains that he is not involved in any tender syndicate or contracting work.
Messenger/Disha
