Staff Correspondent

Serious allegations of corruption, arbitrary power execution and deliberate delays in administrative processes have surfaced against Health Services Division Secretary Md Kamrujjaman Chowdhury. Critics and whistleblowers have warned that the alleged actions are hampering public service delivery and damaging the reform-oriented image of the government.

Multiple complaints alleging irregularities have recently been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), amid reports of mismanagement within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

According to a complaint filed by petitioner Ferdaus Rahman, official files relating to doctors’ transfers and promotions, as well as contractor work orders, have frequently remained pending in the secretary’s office for periods ranging from 10 days to several months.

The complaint also alleges that the secretary bypassed the standard executive hierarchy by distributing key responsibilities among officials and approving important files without obtaining the required clearance from the minister or state minister.

The ministry is also facing scrutiny over unpaid dues amounting to Tk 127.35 crore owed to 23 contractors who supplied PPE, masks, gloves and sanitiser to the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD) on emergency orders during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite favourable High Court rulings directing the government to clear the dues and positive legal opinions from the Law Ministry, the payments have reportedly remained stalled. The affected suppliers have expressed frustration over the delays.

In another case, Tk 83.91 crore was released for 12 contractors following decisions by the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority. However, reports allege that after signing the relevant paperwork, Secretary Chowdhury reprimanded senior ministry officials, saying he had been misled. Assistant Secretary Rezaul Karim was subsequently given a stand-release order, while officials were reportedly warned against processing files without prior approval.

Responding to queries, Chowdhury said several contractor payment files had since been forwarded to the Finance Ministry and CMSD and assured that outstanding bills would be cleared expeditiously.

The ACC complaint also contains allegations of financial misconduct, including claims that Chowdhury received a gift equivalent to Tk 3 crore in euros from Aftab Ahmed, owner of health-sector vendor HTMS Limited, after assuming office on March 3. The complaint further alleges that payments were sought in connection with doctors’ transfers and promotions and that commissions were demanded for approving contractor bills.

The allegations include claims of payments ranging from Tk 5 lakh to Tk 20 lakh per doctor for transfers and promotions, and alleged commissions of 2% to 5% on contractor bills from CMSD and related institutions.

Attempts to contact HTMS Limited owner Aftab Ahmed were unsuccessful, as his telephone remained switched off.

Chowdhury, however, has rejected the allegations of bribery, corruption and commission trading, describing them as baseless.

“These are complete bogus allegations. I perform my duties with complete transparency and accountability. Certain jealous quarters are conducting a smear campaign against me,” he said.

The complainants and civil society representatives have called on the ACC and relevant authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the allegations and take action if wrongdoing is established.