Special Correspondent: Md Jamal Uddin, Sub-Assistant Engineer of Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) in Bagerhat, got promotion to the position of Assistant Engineer, despite specific allegations of irregularities and massive corruption.
An order was issued appointing Md Jamal Uddin as the acting Assistant Engineer of the Jhalokathi (Minor Irrigation) Zone on April 17. As per the proposal from BADC’s Chief Engineer (Construction), Muhammad Badrul Alam, Jamal Uddin was initially transferred from Bagerhat Minor Irrigation Unit to the Barishal Sadar (SOUKA) project and other districts, including Bhola, Jhalokathi, and Pirojpur on April 15.
When he attempted to join the Barisal BADC office on April 17, students and locals reportedly resisted his entry, forcing him to leave without joining. Later that same day, he was reassigned to the Jhalokathi post via official notification.
His promotion to a critical role in Jhalokathi, despite his tainted record, has sparked questions. Allegedly, pro-government collaborators within BADC arranged his preferred posting through bribes, particularly since a major development project is ongoing there.
Jamal Uddin, known for parading around with ruling party leaders while violating service codes, allegedly engaged in misconduct and extortion during previous postings in Pirojpur and Bagerhat.
A powerful syndicate within BADC has reportedly been facilitating such transfers for financial gain since August 5. Despite repeated media reports, no action has been taken against this group. Over the years, these corrupt officials have amassed significant wealth through unethical transfers and appointments.
One documented case accuses Jamal Uddin of taking BDT 50,000 from a local named SM Aiyub Ali in January 2024 for a 500-meter buried pipeline in Mollahat, Bagerhat. However, the official cost was only BDT 6,000, with the rest allegedly embezzled. When asked to return the excess, Jamal Uddin reportedly refused.
Md Jamal Uddin also stands accused of corruption in canal excavation and other development works under BADC. He is said to have taken on contractor roles himself and profited heavily from almost every project in Bagerhat.
When contacted, BADC Chief Engineer (Minor Irrigation) Muhammad Badiul Alam Sarkar admitted he proposed Jamal Uddin’s transfer to Barisal but claimed ignorance about the Jhalokathi appointment or any illicit financial dealings.
