Bangladesh Railway Procurement Stalled as CCS Office Lies Vacant

The Office of the Chief Controller of Stores (CCS) in Chattogram, the nerve center for Bangladesh Railway’s procurement and supply chain, has ground to a halt. The CCS chair has been vacant for 22 days, leaving the procurement of essential parts for locomotives, tracks, and infrastructure in limbo.

The usually bustling office, once crowded with contractors and officials, is now silent. This paralysis raises critical questions about how the railway is maintaining its fleet and infrastructure without an active procurement head.

The CCS department is often described internally as a "state within a state." While it manages a massive volume of tenders, it is also shadowed by a reputation for systemic graft.

"It is difficult to remain honest in this post," a railway official whispered on condition of anonymity. "It is an open secret that a fixed percentage is often siphoned from every tender."

The leadership vacuum follows the controversial tenures of previous controllers. Anwarul Islam, who held the post until March 15, was known for his significant influence during the previous Awami League administration. Allegations suggest he consolidated power by simultaneously holding multiple key positions, including Additional Chief Equipment Controller and DCOS (Inspection). Insiders claim this allowed for the approval of supplier bills for low-quality or even non-existent goods.

His successor, Belal Hossain Sarkar, faced similar scrutiny. Allegations surfaced of a structured commission system, where contractors reportedly paid 8% to 10% in bribes to clear files and secure budget concessions. Sarkar was removed on March 15 and attached to the Director General’s office as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD). Since his removal, further details of these alleged irregularities have begun to emerge.

The vacancy has sparked a silent struggle for power within the railway hierarchy. On April 5, employees under the "Railway Stores Sangram Parishad" banner held a human chain demanding that the next CCS be appointed strictly from the Railway Equipment Division to ensure technical competence.

With the top post vacant, uncertainty looms over the supply chain. Experts warn that if a transparent and efficient officer is not appointed immediately, the lack of spare parts and equipment could severely impact railway safety and operations nationwide.

Repeated attempts to contact Railways Director General (DG) Afzal Hossain for comment were unsuccessful.