PWD addl chief engineer Mahbubur’s past postings under scrutiny

The appointment of Mahbubur Haque Chowdhury as Additional Chief Engineer (Electrical/Mechanical) of the Public Works Department (PWD) has drawn fresh scrutiny over his long career in influential positions and a series of allegations involving procurement, project implementation and accumulation of assets.

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works issued the appointment order on September 1, and Chowdhury assumed charge the same day following the retirement of Afrozul Haque, the previous Additional Chief Engineer (E/M), on August 31.

 PWD sources alleged that Chowdhury remained in what they described as influential and lucrative positions in the department for nearly 17 years, with the backing of retired Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury, a former Jatiya Party lawmaker whom the sources identified as his maternal uncle.

Masud Uddin Chowdhury was a prominent figure during the 1/11 political crisis of 2007. Sources alleged that he used his influence to help Mahbubur secure a succession of key postings in the PWD over the years.

The allegations have resurfaced following Chowdhury's latest elevation, with officials questioning how he continued to obtain influential assignments despite complaints against him.

According to complaint documents and official records reviewed by The Daily Observer, Chowdhury has faced allegations concerning government procurement, project implementation, approval of bills and assets allegedly disproportionate to his known income.

The allegations include influencing tender processes, favouring contractors, approving questionable bills and allegedly receiving financial benefits through contractors.

One complaint relates to the procurement of wooden furniture under a Ministry of Health project. The documents allege that around Tk 5 crore was spent from an allocation of approximately Tk 9 crore, while engineers and contractors allegedly colluded in the procurement process. The complaint also claims that part of the money was laundered abroad.

Another set of allegations concerns the construction of an NSI building, where bills worth around Tk 17.08 crore were allegedly approved.

Contractor Alauddin Wazed lodged a written complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on April 15, alleging that some of the approved bills did not correspond to the actual progress of the project, equipment supplied or prevailing market prices.