Fresh allegations of digital evidence concealment and attempts to influence an investigation have emerged following a probe into alleged bribery, meter manipulation and abuse of power at the Matuail Network Operation and Customer Services (NOCS) office of Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC). Complainants allege that attempts are being made to alter server-stored information, meter readings and digital logs. Victims have reportedly submitted a written complaint to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The complaint names former Executive Engineer Helal Uddin, Sub-Assistant Engineers Md. Abul Bashar Talukder and Md. Manjurul Kader, Line Foreman Md. Obaidur Rahman Tipu, Driver Md. Uzzwal Mia and several other employees. They have been accused of operating an influential network allegedly involved in collecting illegal payments for new electricity connections, load enhancement, meter replacement and bill adjustments. Customers who refused to pay were allegedly subjected to harassment and delays in receiving services.
Following a written complaint submitted by Md. Sharif, a resident of the Tushardhara area, to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, a three-member investigation committee was formed under the leadership of Md. Abu Laich, Deputy Secretary of the Power Division. The other members are Md. Boni Amin, Deputy Director (Administration) of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), and Md. Helal Uddin, Manager (ICT) of DPDC.
Alleged Tk 30 Million Plan to Influence Investigation
The complainants allege that attempts are being made to manipulate meter readings, server records and digital logs with the assistance of Md. Firoz Sheikh (employee ID 21283), a line foreman attached to the ICT section of the Matuail Division. The complaint also alleges a financial transaction of Tk 5 million involving Firoz Sheikh in connection with the alleged activities.
According to the complaint, several confidential meetings were held in Gulshan and Dhanmondi in Dhaka to discuss strategies for influencing the investigation. The complainants further allege that a budget of approximately Tk 30 million was planned for the purpose. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
Allegations of Irregularities in Load Management and Metering
The complaint alleges that a nine-storey building in Tushardhara, associated with Sabina Yasmin, received a low-tension (LT) connection instead of a high-tension (HT) connection despite having a combined sanctioned load of 98 kilowatts across two accounts. A bribe of Tk 14 million was allegedly paid to secure the connection.
In another case near Lakshmipur Tower in Tushardhara, an HT connection was allegedly converted to an LT connection in exchange for Tk 10 million. The complainants also allege that eight additional meters were installed beyond the approved plan. Similar irregularities involving HT and LT connections have been alleged in multi-storey buildings associated with Sekandar Ali and Md. Nuruzzaman Howlader.
In the case of Messrs Rahman Rubber and Tyre, the meter was reportedly replaced in March 2025, but billing allegedly resumed only in January 2026. The complainants claim that a duplicate meter was used to keep the establishment operational during the intervening period.
Another allegation concerns a building associated with Sultana Razia, where an old construction meter was reportedly removed along with its recorded reading and replaced with a new meter.
Anwar Plastic has also been accused of obtaining an electricity connection without a solar system and securing a substation allegedly built with substandard materials in exchange for Tk 12 million in bribes. Other establishments, including Messrs BLC Toll Room and Engineering Works, have allegedly received connections without solar systems and power factor improvement (PFI) equipment. The complaint also alleges that a meter was brought from another division and installed at one establishment.
The authenticity of these allegations requires verification through relevant documents, technical records and inspection reports.
Concerns Over the Impartiality of the Probe
Local resident Rahman Bepari has expressed concern that crucial evidence could be lost unless server records, meter databases, log files, CCTV footage and related documents are preserved promptly. The complainants have called for officials named in the allegations to be temporarily relieved of their administrative duties until the investigation is completed.
An engineer who requested anonymity alleged that working outside the instructions of Supervising Engineer Md. Hanif Uddin was difficult. The engineer further claimed that obtaining electricity connections had become challenging without reaching an understanding with the alleged network involving Bashar and Manjurul. These claims have not been independently substantiated.
Sub-Assistant Engineer Md. Abul Bashar Talukder has denied wrongdoing, claiming that decisions at the Matuail Division were made under the instructions of former Executive Engineer Helal Uddin. He denied being a member of Helal's alleged network and instead accused Firoz Sheikh of being involved in irregularities.
Driver Md. Uzzwal Mia has also denied any involvement in wrongdoing. Firoz Sheikh, meanwhile, described Helal Uddin as a guardian-like figure and said he would continue to stand by him.
The allegations surrounding the Matuail NOCS office have raised serious questions about transparency in electricity distribution, protection of government revenue and public safety. An impartial investigation, the preservation of digital evidence and a thorough examination of the relevant records are essential to establishing the facts.
However, the allegations should not be treated as proven until they are substantiated through a proper investigation. The complainants have urged the authorities to complete the inquiry promptly and take appropriate legal action based on the evidence.