Former judge Manik fails to pay outstanding rent, utility bills

Former judge AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik has failed to settle outstanding dues related to a government-provided residence in Gulshan, Dhaka, which he occupied for over a year after his retirement. Despite repeated notices from the Public Works Department to vacate the property, Manik did not leave until May 2017.

As of now, Manik owes the government a total of BDT 14,19,200, which includes rent, gas, and water bills. Attempts by a national daily to contact Manik for comments were unsuccessful. Although he initially answered a phone call from the newspaper, he disconnected the call upon identification and has not responded to subsequent attempts via phone or WhatsApp.

According to records from the Public Works Department, Manik was allocated the government residence at 35 Road, Gulshan in November 2012, and retired on October 2, 2015. After his retirement, Manik requested an additional two years’ stay in the residence, which was granted for six months, making his expected departure date April 2016. However, he continued to reside there until May 2017.

The Public Works Department’s recent calculations indicate that the dues incurred during his extended stay amount to BDT 14,00,000, covering rent, water, and gas bills. Additionally, there is no evidence of deductions from his salary for these expenses during his service. Despite requests for detailed billing information for the three years he lived there, Manik has failed to provide it.

The Public Works Department had informed Manik via letter that retired judges are not entitled to a year of free accommodation after retirement, contradicting his claims. Officials noted that Manik was uncooperative when approached about settling the dues and eventually ceased communication with the department.

Following Manik’s departure, the residence was occupied by Ahmed Kaikaus, former Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister. Kaikaus complied with all procedural requirements, including settling all bills and providing the necessary documentation after vacating the property. In contrast, Manik has yet to submit the required clearance certificate from the Public Works Department.