Bangladesh — Firefighters risk their lives by stepping into dangerous blazes to save others. When questions arise regarding the quality of their safety gear—including boots, gloves, masks, uniforms, and other protective equipment—it is no longer merely a issue of government financial mismanagement; it directly threatens the safety and lives of frontline rescuers. Serious allegations of corruption and irregularities have now emerged surrounding the Procurement and Store Wing of the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence.
At the center of these allegations are Md. Helal Uddin Khan, Assistant Director (Procurement and Store), and Shams Arman, Senior Staff Officer of the department. They face serious accusations of exerting undue influence over tenders, procurement, supply, warehouse management, and administrative decisions. Concerns include favoring specific suppliers, pre-determining contracts prior to floating tenders, facilitating vendor selection in exchange for kickbacks, and accepting substandard equipment.
Pre-Determined Tenders and Commission Trading
One of the most alarming aspects of the allegations against the Procurement and Store Wing is the collusion to award contracts to specific suppliers before tender invitations are even published. Reports suggest that tender conditions, evaluation processes, and product reception stages were manipulated to benefit preferred entities.
Sources indicate that commissions were routinely collected for vendor selection and during product acceptance procedures. Procurement transactions allegedly involved kickbacks ranging from 3% to 5%, while purchases of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), uniforms, and boots yielded commissions between 2% and 3%.
Substandard Life-Saving Gear
Serious concerns have been raised regarding the quality of heat-resistant boots, protective gloves, masks, uniforms, and eye protection gear purchased for firefighters—equipment intended to safeguard personnel operating under extreme heat, dense smoke, and toxic gas environments.
According to the allegations, items failing to meet required specifications were accepted. A detailed review of product sample approvals, quality tests, inspection committee reports, and delivered product specifications would reveal the full extent of these irregularities.
Manipulation in Warehouse Management
The process of storing purchased gear, logging items in the stock register, and distributing them to field offices has also come under scrutiny. Allegations indicate that beyond handing over official duties to the designated storekeeper, Bahauddin, administrative influence was exerted over various warehouse operations.
To establish transparency in government asset accounting, storage, and distribution, experts emphasize the need to examine stock registers, issue registers, handover documentation, and records of supply dispatch to field units.
Allegations of Monthly Payouts and Perks
Sources claim that Shams Arman received monthly payouts ranging from BDT 700,000 to BDT 800,000 directly from the procurement and store branch. Further allegations suggest that regular gifts and household groceries were delivered to his residence in Sadarghat.
Controversies Over Posting and Duties
Shams Arman's posting and assignment details have drawn additional controversy. Despite being officially transferred to Mymensingh as a Deputy Assistant Director, allegations state that he continued to perform duties as a Staff Officer at the headquarters in Dhaka.
Past Allegations Against Helal
Md. Helal Uddin Khan has a history of corruption allegations related to transfers, recruitment, administration, and procurement management. Questions have been raised regarding his postings and duty shifts between 2023 and 2024.
During his tenure in Barishal, he was allegedly involved in collecting BDT 2,000 to BDT 2,500 per license monthly from inspectors. His subsequent return to headquarters to assume charge of the Procurement and Store Wing was reportedly facilitated by influential recommendations and financial exchanges.
Calls for Comprehensive System Audit
The allegations within the Fire Service's procurement and store management are interconnected. From tender selection to supply, product reception, warehousing, and field distribution, irregularities have been reported at virtually every stage.
Consequently, stakeholders emphasize that isolated reviews will not suffice; a comprehensive document audit of the entire procurement and supply chain system is urgently required.
Given that equipment purchased for emergency services directly impacts the safety and survival of personnel in life-threatening situations, complainants are demanding an impartial investigation into the allegations against Md. Helal Uddin Khan and Shams Arman, along with strict administrative and legal action if proven guilty.