CtG Correspondent
A series of serious allegations have been raised against Captain Amir Md. Abu Sufian, a senior official of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), involving irregularities in seafarer recruitment, favouritism, contractual appointments, pay discrimination, harassment and questions regarding his certificates, sea service and eligibility. Despite an internal investigation, no final administrative decision has yet been made, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has reportedly initiated an inquiry. A criminal case (No. 713/2025) is also pending before the CMM Court in Chattogram regarding alleged assault and irregularities involving mariner Md. Alauddin.
Following complaints from the Bangladesh Seamen's Association to the Ministry of Shipping on 4 September 2025, BSC formed a three-member investigation committee on 16 October 2025, chaired by General Manager Md. Ataur Rahman, with General Manager Captain Md. Mujibur Rahman and Assistant General Manager Shamim Ahmed as members. The committee submitted its report on 8 January 2026, noting that Captain Abu Sufian was summoned twice but allegedly did not appear. The committee also requested crew lists for the previous five years, which were not supplied in time, hampering the probe and causing delays. The committee drew management's attention to the need for action under applicable rules.
Captain Abu Sufian was transferred and attached to the Bangladesh Marine Academy in Barishal, relieved of his additional charge as General Manager (DPA & CSO) on 15 January 2026, following a ministry directive of 12 January. However, his salary, allowances and benefits continue to be paid by BSC. He had previously faced allegations of favouritism, harassment, discriminatory treatment and abuse of authority, yet no visible punitive action had been taken for a considerable period.
The allegations include overlooking long-serving permanent seafarers in favour of contractual appointees, pay discrimination among seafarers performing similar duties, and incidents of contractual seafarers allegedly failing to return to vessels after going abroad, creating financial and reputational risks. Questions have also been raised over Captain Abu Sufian's certificates, sea service records and eligibility for specific positions, with ministry documents reportedly containing references to verification of these credentials.
The ACC has taken steps to verify the allegations. Subel Ahmed, former Deputy Director of the ACC's Chattogram office, confirmed: "An investigation into allegations against BSC official Captain Amir Md. Abu Sufian is ongoing at the ACC headquarters. I cannot comment on a matter that is under investigation."
BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek stated that Captain Abu Sufian has been placed under strict management supervision, removed from the Ship Personnel Department and assigned as DPA & CSO, with departmental proceedings currently in progress. Captain Abu Sufian denies all allegations, calling them baseless. He alleged that current leaders of the Seamen's Association were themselves involved in irregularities and were targeting him because he refused to provide them with undue benefits, though he declined to disclose further details without permission from relevant authorities.
The case raises broader questions about accountability and transparency within a state-owned maritime institution. The final outcome of the departmental proceedings and ACC inquiry will determine whether the allegations are substantiated and whether further action is warranted.
