Serious allegations of administrative irregularities, abuse of influence, recruitment-related dealings, project fund management, procurement, leakage of confidential tender information, One-Stop Service (OSS), No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and land and space allocation have been raised against Anwar Hossain, an administrative officer of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and Md. Shafiquddin Bhuiyan, Deputy Director (Administration).

The allegations have prompted the ICT Division to form an investigation committee to examine the issues.

Meanwhile, in separate office orders issued on September 6, Anwar Hossain was transferred to the Software Technology Park in Chattogram, while Md. Shafiquddin Bhuiyan was transferred to the Software Technology Park in Jashore on a stand-release basis. According to the orders, both officials were supposed to join their new workplaces by September 9.

However, questions have arisen over the implementation of Shafiquddin Bhuiyan's transfer order.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Shafiquddin had not joined his new workplace even after the deadline. Fazlur Rahman, Managing Director of the Hi-Tech Park Authority, also said that Shafiquddin had not reported for duty at the head office for two days and that he had heard that the official had not joined his transferred workplace either.

This has raised questions about whether there are administrative complications surrounding the implementation of the transfer order, whether any written approval was obtained for not joining the new workplace, and whether anyone is exerting influence to prevent the transfer from being carried out.

Questions have also been raised as to whether a transfer alone is sufficient to address the allegations that have accumulated over a long period.

The allegations against Shafiquddin involve several sensitive areas of the Hi-Tech Park Authority, including administration, projects, tenders, OSS, NOCs, and land and space allocation. As an investigation is underway, it is also considered necessary to determine whether he continues to have access to sensitive files, e-files, official documents, or digital information and whether adequate measures have been taken to ensure the security of such records and the impartiality of the investigation.

Multiple Responsibilities Under One Official
Sources have alleged that Shafiquddin simultaneously held several important responsibilities. These reportedly included serving as Assistant Project Director of the project for establishing IT/Hi-Tech Parks in 12 districts, Private Secretary to the Managing Director, Deputy Project Director of various projects, and responsibilities related to OSS, technical and planning divisions, in addition to his regular administrative position.

Questions have therefore arisen over how so many sensitive responsibilities were concentrated in the hands of a single official, under which administrative decisions these responsibilities were assigned, and whether any objections or audit observations were raised regarding the arrangements.

There are also allegations concerning financial irregularities.

According to the allegations, government audit observations identified the irregular withdrawal of a total of Tk 691,314 as excess salary payments during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 fiscal years. It needs to be verified whether the amount was subsequently refunded or adjusted and, if so, what official records support such repayment or adjustment.

Another allegation concerns expenditure of around Tk 3.8 million shown as “entertainment expenses” of the Managing Director's office during the 2023-24 fiscal year. Complainants have alleged that a portion of the amount was misappropriated through fabricated bills and vouchers. The veracity of the allegation, however, needs to be established through a proper investigation.

OSS, NOCs and Tender-Related Allegations
One of the major allegations against Shafiquddin relates to OSS and NOC-related activities.

It has been alleged that confidential financial dealings amounting to around Tk 250 million took place in connection with the approval process for duty-free import of equipment by Samsung and other investor companies.

There are also allegations of financial transactions involving several crore taka in connection with training and construction tenders under the 12 IT Park projects, as well as the allocation of land and space within the parks.

These allegations warrant scrutiny of the relevant files, approvals, financial transactions, procurement documents and records of decision-making to determine whether any irregularities occurred.

Allegations Against Administrative Officer Anwar Hossain
Administrative officer Anwar Hossain has also faced a number of allegations.

According to allegations, records from an earlier employee list identified him as a “Computer Typist” assigned to official duties of then ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak. It has further been alleged that he subsequently rose to the position of administrative officer by using political influence.

There are also allegations that Anwar worked as an associate of a recruitment syndicate allegedly led by Ranjit Kumar, a former personal assistant to the state minister.

According to the allegations, at least 10 people were irregularly recruited through outsourcing at the Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centre project in Singra, Natore, and money was allegedly taken from the recruits.

Anwar has also been accused of leaking confidential tender estimates or cost estimates to selected contractors before the tenders were officially disclosed.

Need for a Full Investigation
Taken together, the allegations concerning projects, recruitment, tenders, OSS, NOCs, land and space allocation, and financial transactions at the Hi-Tech Park Authority underscore the need for a comprehensive investigation.

In particular, investigators should examine both the “money trail” and the “file trail” to determine whether the allegations have any factual basis. If the allegations are proven, appropriate action should be taken against those responsible and efforts should be made to recover any misappropriated public funds. At the same time, if the allegations are not substantiated, the officials concerned should be cleared of wrongdoing.

Fazlur Rahman, Managing Director of the Hi-Tech Park Authority, said that Shafiquddin had been transferred and had not reported for duty at the head office for two days. He said he had only heard that the official had not yet joined his transferred workplace. He added that the matter would be examined and necessary action would be taken.

The key question now is whether a transfer can serve as a substitute for accountability.

While a transfer is a routine administrative measure, in cases involving serious allegations, the ultimate objective should be to complete a transparent investigation, establish the facts, and determine responsibility based on evidence.