Despite being an accused in several corruption cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), being temporarily suspended and removed from an important position, Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Executive Engineer Mohammad Hasan has once again come under scrutiny.
He has faced allegations of irregularities in development projects, misappropriation of public funds, irregularities in building plan approvals and abuse of power. However, none of these allegations has been conclusively proven in court or through any relevant investigation, and the cases filed against him are still pending.
ACC Cases over Kalurghat Project
According to court sources, three special corruption cases—Nos. 40/2012, 41/2012 and 43/2012—against Mohammad Hasan are pending before the Chattogram Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court.
The ACC filed the cases in 2010 over alleged embezzlement of approximately Tk 17.53 million and irregularities in the implementation of the Kalurghat Road Expansion and Development Project in Chattogram. Following an investigation, the ACC submitted charge sheets to the court in May 2012.
According to the allegations in the cases, the concerned engineers and officials, allegedly in collusion with contractors, committed irregularities and financial misconduct in implementing the project. The cases were filed under Sections 409 and 109 of the Penal Code and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The accused subsequently obtained bail from the court and have been contesting the cases.
Held Key Position While Cases Were Pending
Sources concerned said that Mohammad Hasan continued to serve in several important positions at the CDA while the corruption cases against him remained pending. At one point, he was appointed as Authorized Officer-1.
The position of Authorized Officer-1 is considered important because it is directly involved in the approval of building plans, revised plans, additional floors and other construction-related matters.
This has raised questions among stakeholders about how an official facing long-running corruption cases was able to continue serving in a key position involving approval-related responsibilities.
Allegations over Building Plan Approvals
Several internal CDA sources claimed that allegations had surfaced at different times over building plan approvals, construction of additional floors beyond approved limits, changes to approved plans and violations of building regulations.
There have also been allegations of financial transactions in connection with the approval process. Recently, sources said allegations had emerged regarding a demand for a substantial amount of money in connection with a building plan approval.
However, these allegations need to be independently verified through specific documents, applications, approval records and investigation reports. Until proven, they should be treated only as allegations.
Suspension and Removal from Key Position
Earlier, on November 11, 2024, the CDA temporarily suspended Mohammad Hasan. The suspension was imposed under Rule 40(e) of the CDA Service Regulations. An office order signed by CDA Secretary Rabindra Chakma made the decision effective.
Later, in April 2025, a notification issued by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works removed him from the position of Authorized Officer-1. CDA Executive Engineer Kazi Kader Newaz was appointed in his place.
His removal from such an important administrative position also generated discussion within the CDA.
Questions over Bahaddarhat Mosque
According to administrative sources, complications surrounding the approval of a multi-storey mosque building in the Bahaddarhat Kacha Bazar area of Chattogram had also been discussed as one of the reasons behind administrative dissatisfaction concerning Mohammad Hasan.
However, in the absence of specific administrative documents or investigation reports being made public, it is difficult to independently assess the allegations in full.
Questions over Accountability
Urban planners and civil society representatives said that when an official is facing pending corruption cases, appropriate oversight should be maintained over his administrative responsibilities. They said transparency and accountability are particularly important for positions involving decisions on building plan approvals and development projects.
They also believe that, alongside verifying the allegations, important decisions and approval processes handled by the concerned official should be reviewed if necessary.
Attempts were made several times to contact Mohammad Hasan for his comments, but he did not answer the calls.
CDA Chairman Engineer Belayet Hossain said, “I have also heard about various allegations against Engineer Mohammad Hasan. However, no one can be considered guilty until the allegations are proven in court. The matter will be reviewed in accordance with the law and regulations. At the same time, discussions will be held with the concerned officials regarding what administrative measures should be taken in light of the allegations.”
Meanwhile, concerned citizens have called for the allegations against Mohammad Hasan to be investigated through documents and impartial inquiries rather than on the basis of political identity or personal disputes. They have also demanded the speedy disposal of the pending corruption cases and greater transparency and accountability in the CDA’s approval processes.