A sharp conflict has erupted between Shamima Khandaker the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Moulvibazar Zila Parishad and local contractors following disputes over project bill payments.
The tension escalated after contractors staged a human chain in front of the Moulvibazar Press Club with demanding Khandaker’s transfer within 48 hours and submitting written complaints to the Deputy Commissioner. Led by contractor Tofael Ahmed, the group accused the CEO of intentionally delaying payments and demanding bribes.
Tofael claimed Khandaker requested a 5% commission on project bills later reduced to 3% and alleged paying 10,000 Taka to an administrative officer. He defended his record as a 25-year veteran contractor and BNP activist also insisting all work followed official procedure.
Refuting the charges the CEO Shamima Khandaker accused Tofael of organizing the protest after she refused to approve bills for unapproved work on the Red Crescent Society building. She further alleged that Tofael collaborated with influential figures during the previous regime to secure major contracts of three Zila Parishad Dak-Bunglows suffered from substandard construction and poor-quality installations. "A smear campaign is being waged against me because I refused to approve unauthorized bills" she stated, challenging him to provide evidence of bribery.
Administrative Officer Md. Ashraf Hossain also denied Tofael’s extortion claims also stating he never received money or discussed the project file with him.
