Staff Correspondent:
Serious allegations of corruption, commission-taking, and nepotism have been raised against Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Chattogram Division under Bangladesh Railway (East Zone). Several contractors and relevant sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, have made these allegations.According to the sources, no file—whether related to contractor bills, administrative orders, or other important official matters—receives the DRM’s signature without advance bribes or commissions. Contractors allege that a 2 percent commission is mandatory for approval of any bill or file. Without payment, files reportedly move from desk to desk and ultimately remain stalled indefinitely.Victim contractors claim that even after submitting all valid documents, they are told that the matter is “under process.” However, the process allegedly comes to a halt until the demanded commission is paid. While some contractors reluctantly comply with what they describe as an “unwritten rule,” those who refuse face prolonged delays lasting weeks or even months.
The complainants further allege that this commission-based system is no longer limited to individual transactions but has evolved into an institutionalized practice within the division. From lower-level staff to senior officials, shares are allegedly distributed, making accountability vague and responsibility diluted.The impact of these irregularities, sources warn, is directly affecting public interest. Maintenance of railway tracks, implementation of development projects, and timely completion of works are reportedly being hampered due to the commission-dependent system. Fear of retaliation has prevented most victims from coming forward publicly, leaving many allegations undocumented.
Sources also claim that allegations against Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan are not new. Prior to his appointment as DRM, similar accusations were raised during his tenure as Divisional Superintendent (Workshop) at the Pahartali Railway Workshop. At that time, it is alleged that only favored contractors were allowed to secure work orders.In procurement processes at the workshop, contractors reportedly had to pay 5 to 7 percent commission for purchasing machinery parts through selected suppliers. Additionally, a 2 percent commission was allegedly demanded even during inspection and testing of parts. As a result, contractors were often compelled to supply substandard materials, sources claim.
A large portion of procurement work at the Pahartali Workshop is alleged to have been monopolized by a firm named “Bhuia Enterprise.” The owner of the firm, Ekramul Karim Russell, is reportedly related to Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan, and both are said to hail from Cumilla district.According to the allegations, nearly 50 percent of the workshop’s contracts were awarded to this firm, while most of the remaining contracts went to contractors from Cumilla and surrounding districts who were allegedly close to the DRM.
Attempts were made multiple times to contact Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan via his official phone number and WhatsApp to obtain his comments on the allegations. However, no response was received. If any statement is provided later, it will be incorporated accordingly.
