Serious allegations have been made against Bangladesh Railway's Chittagong region official Sheikh Farid of abuse of power through intimidation, tender trading and multiple positions. The complainants claim that a 'commission syndicate' has developed within the railway - one of the focal points of which is this officer.
Despite being a diploma engineer, Sheikh Farid is currently controlling four important positions alone. This has not only given him unusual power, but it has been alleged that he is regularly involved in collecting commissions from contractors and intimidation.
The four positions that Sheikh Farid holds are Assistant Electrical Engineer (GER Shop), Senior Assistant Electrical Engineer (AC), SPO (CRB) and Senior Welfare Officer.
Many railway officials believe that keeping multiple departments under his control is a violation of the normal administrative structure. They say this shows a severe lack of transparency and accountability.
A contractor, on condition of anonymity, said, “I went to talk about the tender. He (Sheikh Farid) said, ‘I have people like that, they will slaughter you right now’. I have been working here for 18 years, you don’t know me!
The contractor concerned said that he was mentally disturbed due to such intimidation. If he does not want to pay the commission for a job, he is harassed in various ways. Sometimes the papers are stuck, sometimes he is not allowed to start the work.
He also said that whenever he complains about Sheikh Farid, he is retaliated by creating administrative complications.
Regarding the complaint, Sheikh Farid told reporters, ‘All the allegations made against me are false and fabricated. The video that you have in your hands was also made with AI.’
However, he did not deny that he was in four positions.
Without administrative supervision, irregularities have become the norm. An internal official of Chittagong Railway said, ‘Influential people like him (Sheikh Farid) Diploma engineers are rare in the history of the railway. Due to the lack of monitoring from higher quarters, his irregularities have now become the norm.”
He also said that many internal railway officials do not dare to speak out against Sheikh Farid.
Contractors and general employees of Chittagong Railway have demanded a speedy investigation and action in this incident. They said,
If this continues, the quality of railway projects will deteriorate, and the people will be subjected to further harassment.”
Sheikh Farid can be a real example of the terrible consequences that can occur if multiple administrative responsibilities, powers and budgets are transferred to a mid-level official. If such an influential syndicate within the railway is not investigated, dismissed and legal action is not taken quickly, the public's trust in the entire institution may be damaged.
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