Four Promotions in One Day, Former Secretary Faces Allegations Over Appointments and Assets

A former government secretary, Nazrul Islam, is facing a range of allegations involving rapid promotions, influence over government appointments and transfers, recruitment, and the acquisition and development of properties.According to allegations raised by various sources, Islam received four promotions in a single day after the change of government on August 5, later presenting himself as a victim of discrimination. The claims have also raised questions about the people allegedly close to him and their roles in government postings, recruitment and business activities.The allegations involve several individuals, including Towfayel, Habibur Rahman, Kabir Ahmed, Omar Faruk, Rafiq, Mumin, Habib, Sohel Rana, Shahin and Kazi Mamon. They also concern a number of businesses, associations and organisations allegedly linked to the group.However, the allegations have not been independently verified, and documentary evidence and responses from the people concerned are necessary to establish their accuracy.Questions over appointments and recruitmentThe allegations include claims of irregularities in government recruitment and postings, as well as the use of personal connections to secure positions and benefits.One claim concerns the alleged payment of Tk 11 lakh in connection with Sohel Rana’s appointment at Bangabandhu Digital University. Another allegation relates to the appointment of Mumin to a director-level position at the National University in exchange for money.There are also allegations concerning the allocation of government residential quarters in Dhanmondi to Omar Faruk. The circumstances surrounding the alleged appointments and allocation require examination of relevant official records.Allegations surrounding properties and development projectsSeveral properties and development projects in Dhaka’s Tushardhara residential area have also come under scrutiny in connection with the allegations.One building is reportedly situated on a 24-katha plot in Sector 10. Another, Friends View Tower in Sector 9, allegedly faced a stop-work or demolition order from the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) in 2022. The allegations claim that construction was subsequently completed without an occupancy certificate.Mission Sagarika Apartment in Sector 4 has also been named. Complaints concerning the building were reportedly lodged with RAJUK and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as far back as 2017. The allegations include claims that parking space was converted into shops and residential units.The status of the relevant complaints, regulatory orders, building approvals and occupancy certificates needs to be established through official records.Businesses and organisations namedThe allegations also refer to several businesses, developers, associations and institutions, including Contech Developer, Wonland Developer, Confidence Group, Rose Garden Association, Mission Welfare Trust, Burichang Polytechnic, Burichang Modern Hospital, Burichang Welfare Society, Rowshan-Siraj Foundation, Mission Shyamalima, Mission Lighthouse, Mission Garden Dhaka and Confidence Software.Mumin is alleged to have acquired or become associated with properties and institutions in several areas, including Adabor, Uttara, Bashundhara, Cumilla, Daulatpur and Burichang. These claims require verification through land records, company documents and other relevant sources.Other allegations concern the alleged role of Towfayel as a financial intermediary, the removal of a name from a murder case, and claims that Habibur Rahman hosted gatherings involving alcohol and cannabis. These are serious claims and should not be treated as established facts without corroborating evidence.Verification and accountabilityThe allegations raise questions about possible conflicts of interest, transparency in public appointments and compliance with building regulations. Establishing whether any rules were violated will require scrutiny of promotion records, recruitment documents, property ownership records, development approvals and complaints submitted to the relevant authorities.Nazrul Islam and the other individuals named in the allegations should be given an opportunity to respond. Responses from RAJUK, the ACC, the relevant ministries and the institutions mentioned would also be important in determining the facts.