'I won't take less than Tk2cr': Lakshmipur PDB engineer suspended after video goes viral
BPDB chairman Md Rezaul Karim ordered a formal investigation after a video allegedly showing the engineer discussing contractors’ bills, project materials and financial transactions circulated on social media.
Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has suspended Md Nurul Amin, executive engineer of its Sales and Distribution Division in Lakshmipur, after a video allegedly showing him discussing financial transactions, including a Tk2 crore payment, went viral on social media.
The suspension order was issued today (28 September) by BPDB's Investigation and Discipline Directorate under Rule 141(1) of the Bangladesh Power Development Board Employees' Service Rules, 1982.
The video surfaced yesterday night (27 September). In it, Nurul is heard discussing project materials, contractors' bills, "cross arms" and financial transactions. At one point, he says, "I won't take less than Tk2 crore." He also refers to a Tk6 crore bill and says he is willing to approach the BPDB chairman if necessary.
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In another part, he is heard asking whether he should keep or return some money. The conversation also mentions BPDB sub-engineer Sobuj Mia, line work, supply of project materials and cross arms, as well as withholding contractors' bills and releasing payments.
However, the video's time and location, the identity of the person who recorded it and the identities of others in the conversation could not be independently verified. It was also not possible to establish whether the footage had been edited, determine its full context or verify whether the amounts mentioned were linked to actual transactions.
Several local journalists tried to contact Nurul and Sobuj by phone, but neither answered.
BPDB chairman Md Rezaul Karim told The Business Standard that he ordered Nurul's immediate suspension after learning about the video and instructed the concerned department to launch a formal investigation.
"I have already suspended the guy from service and instructed [the concerned department] to launch a formal investigation against him. Once it is done, I will take necessary action regarding his service," he said.
"BPDB will not shy away from taking action against any unscrupulous person within the organisation," he added.
During the suspension, Nurul will receive a subsistence allowance under Rule 141(2) of the 1982 service rules and cannot leave his place of posting without prior permission from the controlling authority.
The latest action follows previous local allegations of irregularities and bribery involving the Lakshmipur PDB office.
Lakshmipur Press Club President Mostakur Rahman said in a social media post that he had raised specific allegations against Nurul at three district law and order committee meetings over the past nine months. He also alleged that the video, which he said was recorded by a hidden camera, exposed the engineer's involvement in bribery.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
