EED Chief Engineer Post Sparks Lobbying and Irregularity Allegations

Intense lobbying and allegations of irregularities have surfaced regarding the upcoming succession for the position of Chief Engineer at the Education Engineering Department (EED) in Dhaka, according to reports highlighted by Jago News on August 18, 2026. The department is currently under the leadership of Tarique Anwar Zahedi, who is scheduled to go into Post-Retirement Leave (PRL) coming February. As his departure approaches, various officials within the department have reportedly started competing vigorously to secure the influential and vital engineering post.

Amidst this administrative maneuvering, specific attention has turned toward Md. Zahedul Karim, who currently serves as the Superintending Engineer (Current Charge) for the Rangpur Circle. Background details indicate that Karim previously held a leadership role within the Bangabandhu Projukti Parishad. Furthermore, official records show that on December 10, 2025, five executive engineers received promotions to the rank of Superintending Engineer, with Karim positioned at number four on that promotion list.

Financial scrutiny has also entered the discourse surrounding the department's operations and contractor dealings. Data for the 2024-25 fiscal year reveals that a contractor firm named Said Enterprise successfully withdrew a total of two crore eighty lakh fifty-five thousand seven hundred and sixty taka (2,80,55,760 BDT) across eleven separate bills. This significant financial payout to the firm has added to the administrative complexities and discussions currently surrounding the engineering department.

Addressing the allegations and his political background, Zahedul Karim defended his record while speaking on the ongoing controversies. He acknowledged his past political association by stating that it is true he used to do politics for the Awami League and was a leader of the Bangabandhu Projukti Parishad, but he maintained that he did not commit any irregularities or corruption in tenders, asserting that all allegations against him are untrue. Regarding the payments made to Said Enterprise, Karim clarified his stance by stating that he did not award the work to Said Enterprise, as others assigned the project, and suggested that he merely cleared the bills because the quality of the work was good, leaving no opportunity to withhold the payment.

Karim also addressed his potential candidacy for the top post by factoring in seniority and political perceptions. He remarked that since he is a member of the Bangabandhu Projukti Parishad, he will not be given this post and is not even expecting it, especially noting that there are eleven senior officers positioned above him. His comments reflect the delicate balance of seniority and past associations currently navigating the corridors of the Education Engineering Department in the capital.

The ministry has taken a firm stance on the administrative situation and the ongoing lobbying activities within the department. Authorities have emphasized that the Education Engineering Department is a crucial place and that no form of instability will be allowed to persist there. Officials explicitly warned that if any officers abandon their duties to engage in lobbying and canvassing, strict action will be taken against them. Furthermore, authorities made it clear that there is no scope for former fascist-era beneficiaries to receive new or additional advantages.