Khondaker Mahbub Alam, Additional Chief Engineer-1 (additional charge) of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), has faced allegations of political affiliation, undue influence in promotions, interference in the awarding and distribution of development projects, abuse of power, bribery and corruption, and the acquisition of assets allegedly disproportionate to his known sources of income.
According to the complainants, allegations against Mahbub Alam have been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and relevant government authorities. They have called for an investigation into his assets, role in development projects, tender processes and career advancement. However, none of the allegations has so far been established by an official investigation or a court of law.
According to information published on the DNCC website, Mahbub Alam is currently serving as Additional Chief Engineer-1 on additional charge. He assumed the responsibility on March 11, 2026. Previously, he served as a Superintending Engineer (Civil) and held responsibilities in the Traffic Engineering Circle.
Questions have also been raised about the political dimension of his career progression. The allegations state that Mahbub Alam was associated with the Bangabandhu Engineers Council, a professional platform widely regarded as aligned with the Awami League. In 2019, he reportedly served as a focal point officer for programmes organised to mark the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In May 2024, he was reportedly appointed general secretary of the Bangabandhu Engineers Council of Dhaka North and South City Corporations.
The complainants have questioned whether his political association influenced his promotions and appointment to important positions. They have also called for an investigation into whether his professional advancement followed the applicable rules and procedures.
In April 2025, a memorandum was reportedly submitted alleging irregularities and corruption involving several DNCC engineers. Mahbub Alam's name was also mentioned in the memorandum. The complainants alleged that some officials had influenced the appointment of contractors in exchange for commissions, bypassing proper tender procedures. The allegations, however, have not been independently established.
Another serious allegation concerns the allocation of work under a major DNCC development project. According to the complaint, approximately Tk 8.22 billion worth of work under the government-funded DRSP project was involved, of which around Tk 6 billion was allegedly awarded to contractors considered politically affiliated or sympathetic to the Awami League. The complainants further alleged that Mahbub Alam influenced the tendering process, selection of contractors and implementation of the projects. No official investigation report or court verdict establishing these allegations has been made public.
Questions have also been raised about Mahbub Alam's personal assets. According to the complaints submitted to the ACC, he allegedly owns several flats and shops in Dhaka, along with two expensive vehicles. It has also been alleged that approximately Tk 50 million was spent furnishing a duplex apartment. The complainants have called for verification of the ownership, value and sources of funds used to acquire these assets.
Mahbub Alam has also faced allegations of accepting bribes and abusing his official position. However, no specific transaction, amount of alleged bribe money, bribe-giver or direct evidence supporting these allegations has been made public. Therefore, these claims should be treated as allegations requiring investigation rather than established facts.
DNCC records and published reports indicate that Mahbub Alam has held several important engineering positions over the years. In 2023, he was seen attending an official event involving then-DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam in his capacity as a Superintending Engineer. He later assumed the additional charge of Additional Chief Engineer-1 on March 11, 2026.
Attempts were made to obtain Mahbub Alam's response to the allegations. He was contacted several times by phone and WhatsApp, but no comment was received. A thorough and impartial investigation is therefore necessary to determine the veracity of the allegations, the sources of his assets, his role in project and tender decisions, and whether any irregularities occurred in his career progression. Until such allegations are established through due process, Mahbub Alam should not be treated as guilty, and the relevant authorities should ensure a transparent investigation based on documentary evidence and applicable laws.