Photo : Collected
Serious allegations have emerged against 10 officials of the Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute, accusing them of causing a loss of at least Tk 50 crore over the past decade through fraudulent research and project activities. Since 2013, this group has allegedly siphoned off nearly half of the government’s allocated funds, totaling over Tk 100 crore, for various projects. Currently, they are continuing their fraudulent activities through ongoing projects. A formal request has been made to the President for an inquiry into the financial discrepancies at the institute, located on Ishwardi, Pabna. In response, intelligence agency officials have already commenced an investigation into the matter.
In response to these allegations, the Director General of the institute, Mohammad Omar Ali, stated, "I am striving to eliminate the irregularities and corruption within the institution. I am not fully aware of the actions of those whose names are being discussed now, but I am doing my utmost to maintain a corruption-free environment."
When questioned further, he added, "These matters are subject to audits. Occasionally, issues are brought to my attention through audits, while sometimes they are resolved by the project manager. However, I cannot claim that the institute is entirely free from corruption. I am making every effort to address these challenges."
It has come to light that since Dr. Kamal Humayun Kabir took over as the Director General of the institute in 2013, embezzlement has become rampant. Under his tenure, timber trees worth crores of taka have been sold as dead trees through fake tenders. Trees valued at around Tk 50 lakh were sold at nominal prices, with some cuttings even used to make furniture.
Several projects have been marred by widespread corruption. Notably, the Palm, Gol, and Date Palm Development Projects (2010-2015), which had a budget of Tk 5 crore, saw nearly half the funds misappropriated through tenders. Old scientific equipment and chemicals were reported as new, with funds being fraudulently withdrawn for replacements.
The Sugar Beet Project (2010-2014), a pilot initiative with a budget of approximately Tk 7-8 crore, aimed at producing sugar molasses using new production techniques, was also heavily looted. This project never reached fruition due to extensive embezzlement.
Similarly, the Biotechnology Project (2010-2014), with a budget of Tk 8-10 crore, saw significant funds misappropriated through tenders and recruitment scams. Most of the money intended for these projects was siphoned off in various fraudulent ways.
The Hill Area Development Project (2010-2022) aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions through sugarcane cultivation in the greater Chittagong region, with a budget of Tk 15-20 crore over three phases, has also been marred by corruption. Funds were illicitly obtained from various facets of the project, from the collection of sugarcane saplings to the recruitment of low-wage manpower. Significant irregularities have also plagued the Clean and Disease-Free Sugarcane Seed Production and Expansion project (2020-2024), which had a budget of Tk 25 crore. In this project, crores of taka were siphoned off under the pretext of unnecessary office rent. Other ongoing projects such as the Sugarcane Cultivation Programme in Hilly Areas (approx. Tk 3 crore) and the Date Palm Production Programme (approx. Tk 2 crore) have similarly been tainted by corruption.
Complaints have indicated that from 2010 to 2022, widespread corruption has infiltrated all recruitment activities, with at least 100 people recruited over the last decade. These appointments, which span scientists, officers, and employees in both project and revenue sectors, have allegedly involved syndicate-led bribery totaling at least Tk 5 crore.
The head of this corrupt syndicate is said to be Hasibur Rahman, the Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Department, alongside Abu Taher Sohail, the Chief Scientific Officer (current duty) and Head of Department Administration. Other implicated individuals include Chief Scientific Officer Tofail Ahmed, Chief Scientific Officer Aminul Haque, Senior Scientific Officer Shariful Islam, Senior Scientific Officer SM Rezaul Karim, Scientific Officer Abdul Azim, Scientific Officer Rashedur Rahman Rajib, and Scientific Officer Sanjit Mandal. Abdullah Baki, the Head of Accounts and Audit, has allegedly approved and sealed all bill vouchers, which were subsequently approved by the Director General.
It is reported that these officials, often without holding the project manager position, have influenced various aspects of project manpower recruitment and procurement. Essentially, Hasibur Rahman is believed to control all activities behind the scenes, with nothing happening without his consent. Abdullah Baki, responsible for securing projects from the ministry, has orchestrated financial reconciliations and managed permissions from the Director General.
Former Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Nurul Kashem said that everyone knows who is corrupt in the institution. Those who open their mouths about these issues will be dismissed, transferred and may even lose their jobs. Because of this fear no one wants to say anything.
In response to a question, he said that this syndicate has been involved in various irregularities for a long time. He even kidnapped the job seeker because he could not join the job. Most of the various projects that are in place are questionable.
Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Department, Hasibur Rahman, responded to the allegations by stating, "Actually, I have been involved in Awami League politics. The current government is also in power, and because of this, some people are targeting me. They are making false allegations against me and some of my colleagues at various places."
Chief Scientific Officer (current duty) and Head of Department Administration (additional duty), Tofail Ahmed, also commented on the situation, saying, "Some people are after us when good work is being done. This is part of that. These allegations are not true."
Messenger/Fameema
