DNCC engr accused of amassing illegal wealth  

A senior engineer at Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is facing mounting questions over his alleged political connections, rapid career rise and unexplained wealth�"even as the government says it wants to remove politically exposed officials from key positions.

Khandaker Mahbub Alam, a leader of the pro-Awami League Bangabandhu Engineers Council, currently serves as DNCC’s additional chief engineer (current charge).

Complaints submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and government authorities have accused him of abusing his position, maintaining close links with political figures, influencing project decisions and accumulating assets disproportionate to his known income.

Mahbub rose to prominence during the tenure of former DNCC mayor Atiqul Islam, with sources describing him as a close and trusted official of the former mayor.

He served as executive engineer of DNCC Zone-3 and later moved into the corporation’s traffic engineering circle, eventually becoming superintendent engineer (civil) in 2019. His latest promotion came on March 11, 2026, when he was given charge as additional chief engineer.

* Complaints against DNCC Engineer Mahbub lodged with ACC
* Despite linked with past regime he remains in top post

The promotion has attracted attention because of his previous political activities. In September 2019, Mahbub was appointed focal-point officer for programmes marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was also made general secretary of the Bangabandhu Engineers Council for Dhaka North and South city corporations in May 2024.

The organisation is known as a pro-Awami League professional platform. Questions have also emerged over whether Mahbub retained influence after the political change.

A DNCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The daily Observer that Mahbub subsequently developed close ties with DNCC administrator Shafiqul Islam Milton.

The official claimed that Mahbub’s recent elevation had strengthened his influence over tender and development-related decisions. 

The complaints filed with the ACC also raise questions about Mahbub’s personal wealth. According to the allegations, he owns several flats and shops in Dhaka as well as two expensive vehicles. One duplex apartment was allegedly furnished at a cost of around Tk5 crore.

The complainants have urged authorities to investigate whether the assets are compatible with his legitimate sources of income.

Mahbub has also been accused of having influence over the distribution of major development works.
According to complaints, nearly Tk600 crore out of around Tk822 crore under a government-funded DRSP project was allegedly awarded to contractors considered politically connected to the previous ruling party. The complaints call for scrutiny of the tender process, contractor selection and Mahbub’s role in project implementation. 

When contacted for comment, Mahbub declined to speak to the Daily Observer. Despite repeated calls and a WhatsApp message from this correspondent seeking his response to the allegations, he did not respond.