A syndicate is allegedly running a reign of irregularities and corruption in the Electrical Department of Laksam Railway. Defying official rules and regulations, the syndicate is reportedly led by Sufianur Rahman, a Line Man Grade-II employed in the department. He is accused of exercising unchecked control over the Laksam Railway area with the alleged patronage and direct support of Kishore Chandra Deb Barman, Senior Sub-Assistant Engineer (Electrical).
An investigation has found that the Electrical Department of Laksam Railway is responsible for maintaining electrical facilities at railway stations and residential quarters across several routes, including Laksam to Gangasagar in Akhaura, Laksam to Muhuriganj in Feni, and Laksam to Noakhali. Serious allegations of illegal electricity connections, meter bypassing, unauthorised occupation of railway quarters and abuse of power have been levelled against Line Man Sufian.
According to local sources, around 30 to 35 vacant and abandoned railway quarters currently remain in the Laksam Railway Colony. The syndicate is accused of breaking seals and locks on these properties and facilitating their illegal occupation by outsiders. Meanwhile, allegations have also emerged that dishonest officials are embezzling hundreds of thousands of taka by preparing fake vouchers in the name of eviction drives. The practice has reportedly become known locally as "eviction by day, occupation by night".
Sufian and engineer Kishore Chandra Deb Barman are also accused of making substantial monthly sums by providing illegal electricity connections to these vacant quarters. There are further specific allegations that electricity is being supplied to the Laksam Railway Government Railway Police (GRP) barracks without meters.
Further investigation has revealed that although official records show Sufian's posting at Cumilla Railway Station, he allegedly does not regularly perform his duties there. Instead, he is accused of providing illegal electricity connections to approximately 10 to 15 abandoned quarters in the Mali Colony and Railway Colony adjacent to Cumilla Station. He has also allegedly been supplying electricity to various shops near the station through meter bypassing. Sources familiar with the matter have alleged that engineer Kishore Chandra Deb Barman is involved in these activities.
Sufian is also accused of using an illegal gas connection for nearly 10 years at a railway quarter officially allotted in his name. He allegedly rented out that quarter to another person and subsequently broke the seal of quarter No. T/7-C, located beside the Laksam Railway Government Rest House, before moving in with his family.
The incident drew widespread attention after reports were published in several media outlets. Following the publication of those reports, the illegal gas connection at the quarter allotted in his name was reportedly disconnected under cover of darkness. The connection was subsequently allegedly continued in the name of Kamal, son of Abul Kalam. According to the allegations, Sufian caused an estimated loss of Tk 129,600 in government revenue by using gas illegally for approximately 10 years.
The allegations against the syndicate are not limited to residential quarters. It has also been accused of misappropriating government property belonging to the railway. According to allegations, approximately 200 kilograms of old electrical wires, packed in two sacks and stored at the Laksam Electrical Department's warehouse, were removed and sold under cover of darkness about a week after Eid-ul-Fitr in 2025. The estimated market value of the wires was Tk 100,000. It is further alleged that, to conceal the incident, a staged theft was arranged by breaking the warehouse lock.
The investigation has also revealed allegations of an informal system of control over the department's employees. Whenever a new or existing employee joins the Laksam Electrical Office following a transfer or posting, the Sufian-led syndicate allegedly keeps a close watch on their movements. Employees reportedly have to seek the syndicate's approval even before taking leave or going on rest. Sufian is also accused of unilaterally deciding which employee will be assigned to which duty and when.
There are further allegations that senior technicians and mechanics assigned above Sufian in the departmental hierarchy are not given due recognition. Instead, they are allegedly subjected to undue influence and domination with the support of engineer Kishore Chandra Deb Barman. Sufian is also accused of maintaining absolute control even when senior railway officials visit Laksam for inspections.
When contacted over the allegations, Sufianur Rahman denied the accusations. Repeated attempts were made to contact Kishore Chandra Deb Barman, Senior Sub-Assistant Engineer (Electrical), by phone to obtain his comments, but he could not be reached.
The allegations of irregularities, illegal utility connections, misappropriation of government property and violations of official discipline in such an important railway department have prompted calls for an impartial investigation and appropriate action against those found responsible.