The appointment of Manjurul Alam Sharif as Executive Engineer of the Dhaka Metro Circle of the Directorate of Education Engineering (EED) has sparked discussion and mixed reactions within and outside the department. He previously served as an Assistant Engineer in the same circle, where allegations of corruption and irregularities led to departmental proceedings against him. However, following an investigation, a personal hearing, and a review of relevant documents, he was exonerated in 2024 after the allegations were not conclusively established. Despite this outcome, his return to his former workplace has raised questions among some officials and employees.
On July 21, 2026, an order signed by A. S. M. Shahriar Jahan, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Education, transferred Sharif from Chandpur district to the Dhaka Metro Circle. His posting to this important administrative unit has prompted questions about transparency, transfer policies, and accountability, according to some officials familiar with the matter.
Allegations Over Project Payments Led to Departmental Proceedings
According to available information, allegations were raised against Sharif during his tenure as an Assistant Engineer over the alleged payment of excess and advance bills to contractors before construction work had been completed.
Among the allegations, Shafiq Enterprise was reportedly paid an additional Tk 93 lakh for the construction of an eight-storey academic building at Ideal College in the New Market area of Dhaka. The same contractor was also allegedly paid an additional Tk 1.5 crore for the construction of a six-storey building at Nurjahan Girls' School in Mohammadpur.
Another allegation concerned an additional payment of Tk 14 lakh to Anita Enterprise for the construction of a playground and access road at Government Bangabandhu College in Mirpur.
Following these allegations, departmental proceedings were initiated against Sharif during the 2019–20 fiscal year. However, after an investigation, a personal hearing, and a comprehensive review of the relevant documents, the allegations were not conclusively established. On April 24, 2024, an order signed by Education Ministry Secretary Soleman Khan granted Sharif and three other officials relief from the departmental proceedings.
Return to Former Workplace Raises Questions
Although Sharif was exonerated in the departmental case, his reappointment to the same circle has reportedly caused concern among some EED officials and employees. According to sources within the department, questions have arisen over the administrative considerations behind assigning him to a workplace where allegations concerning project payments had previously been raised.
Meanwhile, various sources have claimed that Sharif faced allegations of tender-related irregularities, commission-taking, and providing undue advantages to politically influential contractors during his tenure as Executive Engineer in Chandpur. However, these allegations could not be independently verified. No conclusive findings from an investigation or official determination regarding these claims could be confirmed.
There have also been claims that, following changes in the political landscape, he has sought to maintain his position by cultivating relationships with newly influential groups. However, no specific evidence substantiating these claims was available. These allegations therefore require independent verification and should not be treated as established facts.
Executive Engineer Denies Allegations
When contacted for comment on the departmental proceedings, previous allegations, and his current posting, Manjurul Alam Sharif denied all the allegations. He said attempts were being made to damage his reputation for political reasons.
Meanwhile, Md. Tarek Anwar Zahedi, Chief Engineer of the Directorate of Education Engineering (currently serving in an additional or interim capacity), was contacted for an explanation regarding the decision to post Sharif again to the same sensitive administrative unit. He declined to comment on the matter.
Former Executive Engineer Also at the Centre of Controversy
Recently, a video allegedly showing a cash transaction inside the office of the former Executive Engineer of the Dhaka Metro Circle of the EED surfaced, triggering widespread discussion. The video was reportedly old, but its public release prompted the formation of an investigation committee. The official concerned was subsequently transferred to the Sylhet Circle, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Against this backdrop, questions surrounding the appointment of the new Executive Engineer of the Dhaka Metro Circle have once again brought the issues of administrative transparency and accountability within the department into focus.
However, it is important to note that Sharif was granted relief from the departmental proceedings because the allegations against him were not conclusively established. At the same time, a clear explanation from the department regarding the administrative considerations behind his current posting could help address the concerns being raised.
A transparent review based on documentary evidence, the findings of relevant investigations, and statements from the individuals concerned would be important in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the appointment and ensuring accountability within the Directorate of Education Engineering.