Rezaul Karim Reza:
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) is reportedly facing serious allegations of being under the influence of an internal syndicate. The Chief Personnel Manager (CPM), Md. Fazle Rabbi, and Deputy Chief Personnel Manager (DCMPM), Raja Mia, have been accused of unprecedented abuse of power, transfer-related corruption, recruitment irregularities, promotion manipulation, and illicit financial gains amounting to millions of taka. Sources claim that due to their dominance, employees- from top-level officials holding ranks equivalent to Additional Secretary to lower-tier staff- are working under a climate of fear.
Investigations suggest that the two officials have effectively centralized control over the corporation’s administrative structure, particularly in recruitment, promotions, transfers, and postings, allegedly bypassing established rules and regulations. Reports indicate that dissenting officials are suppressed while loyal personnel are strategically placed to consolidate influence.
One of the most controversial allegations involves CPM Md. Fazle Rabbi’s alleged political adaptability. During the previous Awami League government, he was reportedly associated with former State Minister and Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku. Following the change in political landscape, allegations suggest he has rebranded himself as a supporter of the BNP to safeguard his position and conceal past irregularities. He is also accused of using external actors to exert pressure and create intimidation within the administration.
The CPM post is considered a key administrative position in BIWTC, controlling recruitment, transfers, and promotions. Allegedly, Fazle Rabbi has long sought to secure and retain this position, strengthening his influence with the help of his close associate Raja Mia. There are also claims that significant financial irregularities occurred during the previous political regime, with multiple complaints reportedly submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Among the most serious allegations is the pre-scheduling of transfers and postings nearly two years in advance. Despite clear policies governing postings of marine officers and engineers, transfer orders issued in 2024 and 2025 allegedly included appointments scheduled as far ahead as 2026–2027. Officials describe this as not merely administrative irregularity but a structured “transfer trading system.”
It is further alleged that financial transactions ranging from 500,000 to 800,000 taka were involved in securing favorable postings. Since the recent political transition, approximately 800 officials and employees have reportedly been affected by transfers and postings linked to large-scale financial dealings. Those opposing the system allegedly faced punitive transfers, removal from key positions, or administrative harassment.
Document reviews reportedly show irregular practices such as premature postings, non-compliance with tenure rules, and rapid reassignments to strategic positions. In several cases, officials were replaced through reciprocal transfers to ensure controlled placements.
One of the most serious accusations concerns the alleged obstruction of official administrative procedures to retain personal positions. According to service regulations, Fazle Rabbi was due to be transferred from the CPM post on 23 October 2025 and replaced by Mansura Ahmed. However, within three days, it is alleged that pressure from external groups and union leaders forced the then-chairman to revoke the order. The reversal reportedly occurred without formal approval, further strengthening concerns about administrative interference.
Recruitment irregularities have also been alleged. In 2022, BIWTC issued a circular for the recruitment of 85 greasers, but appointments were reportedly finalized in 2024 during a period of political instability. Accusations suggest that selection committees were formed in violation of recruitment rules, with decisions allegedly influenced directly by Fazle Rabbi, prioritizing loyalty and financial exchange over merit.
Promotion processes are also under scrutiny. Allegations include bypassing seniority lists, granting promotions to less qualified personnel, and irregular assignment of acting responsibilities. In some cases, positions were reportedly created or manipulated to facilitate preferred postings, including promotions without formal statutory basis.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, both Md. Fazle Rabbi and Raja Mia have denied any wrongdoing. They claim that all transfers and decisions were made in accordance with recommendations from the engineering department, and that the allegations are politically motivated. However, officials within the corporation argue that issuing transfer orders for 2026–2027 while currently in 2025 is highly irregular and violates standard administrative practice.
Questions are now being raised about how such alleged systemic irregularities continued within a critical state-owned institution, and under whose influence they were sustained for years. With complaints already lodged with the ACC but no visible action taken so far, concern is growing among employees. Stakeholders warn that without an independent and urgent investigation, BIWTC’s administrative structure could face severe institutional collapse.
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