Special Correspondent:
An organized smear campaign and conspiracy have allegedly been launched against the current Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Railway, Md. Afzal Hossain. Multiple internal sources and officials claim that a vested group is attempting to defame him socially, administratively, and professionally.
At the center of the allegations is former GIBR official and currently suspended officer Ramzan Ali. He has previously faced several corruption cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to relevant sources, he is now allegedly involved in spreading propaganda against the current DG to divert attention from past allegations and to serve personal interests.Officials further state that during his tenure as Chief Engineer of the Western Zone Railway, Ramzan Ali was accused of multiple irregularities and corruption. These include creating fake bills and vouchers, withdrawing funds without completing work, and colluding with contractors—particularly in stone supply projects—to embezzle government funds.
Sources claim that large sums of money were misappropriated through these activities, and preliminary evidence has already been submitted to investigative authorities. Based on these allegations, departmental action was taken, eventually leading to his suspension.
According to ACC sources, a charge sheet has already been approved against Ramzan Ali for acquiring wealth beyond known sources of income. The investigation report states that he accumulated approximately BDT 24.38 million through bribery and corruption.A six-story building owned by him in the Bashundhara Residential Area of the capital has been seized under court order. Cases against him are currently ongoing under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004 and the Money Laundering Prevention Act.
Meanwhile, sources say that since assuming office, DG Md. Afzal Hossain has taken strong initiatives to restore discipline and transparency in Bangladesh Railway. His strong stance against corruption has allegedly angered a group with vested interests.
In this context, recent allegations—including claims of receiving a 40% commission in project contracts—have been widely circulated online. However, officials have described these claims as “completely fabricated and baseless.”Sources also reveal that on April 5, Ramzan Ali submitted a complaint to the ACC. However, even before verification, the allegation was circulated in various media outlets as news.
Experts warn that continued misinformation campaigns could disrupt ongoing development projects in the railway sector. At a time when the DG is working to implement the Prime Minister’s 180-day railway development master plan, such propaganda may hinder progress.
When contacted, Ramzan Ali acknowledged that his six-story building in Bashundhara had been seized but claimed, “I am being targeted as part of a conspiracy. All allegations against me are baseless.”
