Rezaul Karim Reza:
Since the inception of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in 1980, several distinguished engineers have served as Chief Engineers, contributing to the organization’s growth and vision. This report highlights the leadership journey of past and present Chief Engineers, while also touching on the prospects of future candidates.
LGED: A Pillar of Rural and Urban Development
Founded in 1980, LGED has grown into one of Bangladesh’s most vital development agencies. It plays a key role in improving rural and urban infrastructure and managing water resources across the country. Until the 1990s, many villagers could not imagine paved roads in their communities, modern school buildings replacing broken huts, or sturdy bridges crossing canals where once bamboo footbridges stood. Today, due to LGED’s initiatives, even remote villages are accessible by vehicles, and community infrastructure—such as mosques, markets, roads, culverts, and water bodies—has seen transformative development.
In urban areas too, LGED’s efforts are evident through the construction of multistoried markets, drainage systems, and road infrastructure.
Timeline of LGED’s Chief Engineers
Initially known as the Rural Works Program, LGED has undergone several structural transitions. Since 1980, 18 individuals have served as Chief Engineers:
Engr. Kamrul Islam Siddique, the founding figure, served for an impressive 16 years, laying the foundation of LGED and relocating the office from Lalmatia to its permanent headquarters in Agargaon.
Md. Monowar Hossain Chowdhury served for 1 year and 3 months.
Md. Shahidul Hassan, a widely respected figure within LGED, served with distinction for 7 years and 8 months.
Md. Nurul Islam held the post for 4 months and 1 day.
Md. Wahidur Rahman, known for a controversial tenure, served for nearly 6 years.
Shyama Prasad Adhikary served for 3 years and 1 day amid criticism over his leadership capabilities.
Md. Abul Kalam Azad served for 1 year and 4 months.
Md. Khalilur Rahman served for 7 months and 2 days but is criticized for shifting internal LGED authority to the ministry and allegedly engaging in business conflicts of interest.
Several other engineers served briefly:
Md. Rezaul Karim (18 days),
AK Azad (1 day),
Sushankar Chandra Acharya (2 months and 4 days),
Md. Motiar Rahman (8 months and 6 days), admired for his administrative skills,
Md. Abdur Rashid Khan (8 months and 6 days),
Sheikh Md. Mohsin (1 year, 8 months, and 28 days),
Md. Ali Akhtar Hossain, whose tenure drew attention for personal and administrative controversies.
Currently, Md. Abdur Rashid Mia serves as the 18th Chief Engineer since January 4, 2025, with his term set to end in September 2025.
Looking Ahead: Who’s Next?
Following Md. Abdur Rashid Mia’s term, Md. Anwar Hossain is expected to take charge for two months. He is known for his political lobbying strength. Next in line is Jabed Karim, also active in political networking. Sheikh Md. Nurul Islam, despite having a longer expected term, faces multiple anti-corruption allegations, potentially jeopardizing his eligibility.
As the promotion system within LGED becomes increasingly complex, the possibility of a returning former Chief Engineer such as Md. Shahidul Hassan has sparked interest and optimism among LGED staff.
Conclusion
LGED remains a cornerstone in Bangladesh’s development. With visionary leadership and a commitment to transparency and efficiency, the organization is poised to drive further progress in both rural and urban areas. The hope remains that future Chief Engineers will uphold integrity and inspire the next generation of engineers to serve the nation with dedication.
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