Allegations of corruption, irregularities, and nepotism surrounding several government road construction tenders in Barguna have failed to produce evidence after official investigations by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED).
The controversy involves four tenders worth nearly Tk 27 crore under the “Important Rural Infrastructure Development Project” in Amtali and Taltali upazilas. The projects are part of a broader Tk 85 crore rural infrastructure program implemented during the 2025–26 fiscal year through electronic government procurement (e-GP) system.
The complaints were submitted by Omar Abdullah Shahin, a resident of Taltali who identified himself as a former assistant private secretary to late BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain, and an ex-member of Barguna District BNP. In written allegations sent to LGED and other government offices, Shahin accused officials of irregularities, political favoritism, and manipulating the tender process to benefit selected contractors.
He alleged that LGED Barguna Executive Engineer Md. Mehedi Hasan Khan and other officials favored firms linked to ruling party politics and maintained personal relationships with contractors awarded the projects. The complaint also accused authorities of violating public procurement rules and engaging in financial irregularities.
LGED officials, however, said both the Barguna district office and the central procurement division reviewed the allegations and found no evidence supporting the claims. According to officials, the tenders were conducted under the Open Tendering Method (OTM) in compliance with the Public Procurement Rules 2025 and e-GP procedures.
Senior Assistant Engineer Shyamal Kumar Gain said, “The allegations brought against us are baseless and motivated. The truth will come out once an investigation is conducted.”
LGED Executive Engineer Md. Mehedi Hasan Khan said, “The tender evaluation and work order were awarded in accordance with government procurement regulations and LGED policy guidelines. An investigation into the allegations is underway. The actual facts will emerge through the inquiry.”
Representatives of the winning contractors denied wrongdoing, stating that all bids were submitted and evaluated online through the e-GP system. They said contracts were awarded to technically qualified firms offering the lowest valid bids.
Investigations further revealed that Shahin himself had participated in the tender process through a company under his control. Sources alleged that he unsuccessfully attempted to influence the process in favor of his preferred firm, which reportedly failed to qualify due to licensing and technical shortcomings.
LGED later formed an investigation committee headed by a senior official from its Barisal division. Although the probe did not substantiate the allegations, the Barguna executive engineer was transferred following the controversy.
Civil society representatives said allegations surrounding public development projects are not uncommon, but accusations without evidence risk creating confusion and obstructing ongoing development activities.
