R&H Dept under scrutiny over alleged corruption and administrative irregularities

The allegations centre on officials within the department's Administration and Establishment Wing, where insiders claim that politically influenced transfers and financial transactions have become increasingly common

Part 1: Allegations of Transfer Trading, Political Influence and Misconduct

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD), one of Bangladesh's largest public infrastructure agencies responsible for roads, highways, bridges and culverts, is facing fresh allegations of corruption, political influence and administrative irregularities involving transfers, postings and internal management.

The allegations centre on officials within the department's Administration and Establishment Wing, where insiders claim that politically influenced transfers and financial transactions have become increasingly common.

The Finance Today has obtained documents, testimonies and other materials related to these allegations. Some of the claims remain under independent verification. This report is the first instalment of an ongoing investigative series examining governance and accountability within the department.

Political Influence Over Administrative Appointments

According to multiple officials familiar with the matter, the Roads and Highways Department has long attracted the attention of politically connected contractors because of the large volume of government-funded infrastructure projects it oversees.

Current and former officials allege that influential political figures have historically sought to influence appointments to key positions—including Chief Engineer, Additional Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineer and Executive Engineer—to secure control over procurement and project implementation.

Several officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly, said such practices have created opportunities for transfer trading, patronage and promotion-related irregularities.

Allegations Against Administration Wing

Multiple officials have alleged that Superintending Engineer Mahibul Haque, who oversees the department's Administration and Establishment Wing, has played a central role in managing transfers and postings through a network allegedly involving financial transactions.

The Finance Today has reviewed documents and interviewed several sources who claim that transfer decisions in recent months have not always followed established administrative procedures.

Mahibul Haque could not immediately be reached for comment. His response will be incorporated if received.

Claims of Financial Transactions in Transfers

According to documents reviewed by The Finance Today, one Executive Engineer with a reputation for professional integrity was recently transferred to make way for another influential official.

Sources familiar with the matter alleged that the transferred officer was pressured to make substantial financial payments in order to remain posted in Dhaka. They claimed the overall financial transaction surrounding the transfer approached Tk 10 million. The newspaper has not independently verified the amount involved.

Chief Engineer's Position

Several officials described Chief Engineer Syed Moinul Hasan as a professional administrator with a reputation for integrity. However, some insiders alleged that groups within the department have attempted to undermine his position through politically motivated administrative manoeuvring following the change in government.

The newspaper has not independently verified these claims.

Alleged Contractor Syndicate

Multiple sources alleged that a Superintending Engineer, who was reportedly transferred to Dhaka following the recommendation of a former Member of Parliament from Chapainawabganj, has established significant influence within the department.

Officials interviewed for this report alleged that the official is informally referred to by colleagues as "Mr. 10 Percent," claiming contractors are expected to pay commissions in connection with project implementation.

The Finance Today has not independently verified these allegations, and the official concerned has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Sources further alleged that the same official has influenced appointments of Executive Engineers in strategic offices to facilitate preferred contractors receiving government work.

Questions Over Recent Transfers

Officials also questioned the recent transfer of three Sub-Assistant Engineers, alleging that the transfers bypassed standard administrative procedures.
Several sources claimed financial considerations may have influenced those decisions.

The Finance Today is continuing to examine documents relating to these transfers.

Allegations of Misconduct at Department Rest House

The investigation has also uncovered allegations involving the official rest house located within the department's newly constructed DTC building.
According to information collected by the investigative team, several officials allegedly brought women from outside the department to the government accommodation for personal entertainment.

The FT Team says it possesses information regarding dates and times of the alleged incidents and believes CCTV footage and digital records could help verify the claims.

The allegations have not yet been independently confirmed. Witnesses interviewed by The Finance Today declined to speak publicly, citing concerns over possible workplace retaliation.

Further Evidence Expected

The Finance Today said that

An expart team of 'The Finance Today' is investigating the scandal and expects to publish additional documents, digital evidence and supporting materials in future instalments of this series.

FT Team states that it will also seek responses from all individuals named in the investigation before publishing subsequent reports.

Need for Independent Investigation

Governance experts say allegations involving corruption, political interference and administrative misconduct within public institutions should be investigated through independent and transparent mechanisms.

They argue that, if proven, such practices could undermine public confidence in government institutions, compromise project implementation and damage the credibility of the administration.

Officials within the department have also called for stronger oversight and impartial investigations into allegations involving public officials and contractor syndicates.

Editorial Note: This report is based on interviews with multiple sources, internal documents and information collected during an ongoing investigation. Several allegations contained in the report have not yet been independently verified. Individuals named in the report should be considered innocent unless and until any allegations against them are established through due legal or administrative process. Responses from the officials concerned will be published if and when they are received.