Rehennuma Tarannum: A five-member probe body has begun investigating allegations of graft, anomalies, and embezzlement against the contractors and former Project Director (PD) Jafor Bayezid, who was recently promoted to Regional Director at the Rajshahi office despite serious allegations.
The government formed the committee, appointing Ferdous Zaman, Executive Engineer of the Civil Engineering Department, as Convener, following multiple media reports exposing corruption by Jafor Bayezid and the contractors, Arafat Construction and Western Private Limited.
The probe body also includes Md. Azizur Rahman, Extension Officer of the Project Management and Implementation Department, as Member Secretary; Md. Asmaul Islam Siam, Planning Officer of the Planning and Research Department; Assistant Engineer Shahadat Hossain; and Hirammoy Bardhan, Sirajganj BSCIC Industrial Park Chief (additional charge). The committee has been tasked to submit its report after site visits and inquiries.
Allegations suggest that, as a close relative of Awami League Presidium Member and former Rajshahi Mayor A.H.M. Kayruzzaman Liton, PD Jafor Bayezid colluded with contractors to misappropriate crores of Taka, leaving project works incomplete. Taking advantage of the July–August unrest, contractors allegedly withdrew full payments by June 30, 2024, without finishing the works.
Plot recipients found incomplete soil filling, substandard roads, and drainage systems, making it costly and difficult to set up industries. M. Rejaul Karim Ranju said, “Filling the plots will cost at least Tk 50–60 lakh each. How can we establish industries?” Entrepreneur Saiful Islam added that they have complained to authorities for remedy.
Convener Ferdous Zaman told journalists that evidence of corruption and irregularities has been found, but details cannot be disclosed during the ongoing investigation. Attempts to contact Jafor Bayezid were unsuccessful.
The Sirajganj Industrial Park, established on 400 acres at a cost of Tk 719.21 crore, plans 570 industries across 829 plots in Satiantoli, Pashchim Mohonpur, Bonbaria, Belutia, and Morgram areas of Sirajganj Sadar upazila.
