Despite facing extensive allegations of corruption, irregularities and controversy, Tabibor Rahman Talukder — Project Director (PD) of the “Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Project for Human Resource Development” under the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) — continues to secure one influential position after another.
His uninterrupted rise has raised serious questions about oversight, transparency, and the role of the concerned ministry and the incumbent government.
According to multiple claims, Talukder, a member of the Bangabandhu Engineers’ Parishad, has allegedly amassed several crores of taka and funnelled a substantial portion abroad by abusing his authority as the project’s PD. Sources state that his political connections, particularly through his native Kazipur Upazila in Sirajganj, enabled him to exert influence with the reported support of Tanvir Shakil Joy, son of the late Mohammad Nasim and former MP for Sirajganj-1 (Kazipur).
The World Bank (WB)–funded project, launched in October 2021, aimed to install pipelines, deep tube wells, overhead tanks, and water treatment plants across 30 districts. Although the project was scheduled for completion this year, less than half the work has been finished. The initiative, which carries a budget of Tk 1,882 crore, is now marred by allegations of widespread corruption and procedural violations.
Insiders allege that Talukder covertly operated several contracting entities under different names to bypass scrutiny. He is accused of awarding contracts to favoured bidders—often skipping the lowest bidder—and manipulating tender results to benefit second, third, fourth and fifth bidders. Executive Engineers reportedly found themselves powerless under his influence, while Talukder allegedly dealt directly with contractors, sidelining the designated engineers. Sources claim he collected a 2–5 per cent commission both at the tender stage and during bill payments.
A PHED official, requesting anonymity, stated that tender specifications were ignored across much of the project and that procurement rules were routinely violated. He added that nearly 80 per cent of the public toilets constructed under the project are already unusable and abandoned. The same official alleged that Talukder, in collusion with contractors, embezzled large sums to purchase plots and flats in Dhaka and extensive landholdings in Sirajganj under the names of his two wives. He is also said to own a multi-storied property, Sufia Mansion, on Sadar Hospital Road in Sirajganj town. As per regulations, holding two PD posts simultaneously is not permitted.
Despite facing serious allegations, Talukder was appointed as PD of another major project on 30 September, sparking sharp criticism within the ministry and PHED. The new project carries a budget of Tk 1,989 crore. According to individuals close to him, Talukder has privately admitted to spending Tk 20 crore in two phases to secure PD appointments, reportedly channelled through an influential network linked to a senior figure in the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.
He has now allegedly embarked on a bid to become the Chief Engineer (CE) of PHED, offering bribes amounting to around Tk 40 crore to the same group. Although the ministry has appointed Abdul Awal as the current acting CE, Talukder is reportedly waiting for an opportunity to surpass 23 senior officers and secure the top post—an unprecedented move if successful.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is said to have taken the matter under investigation.
Efforts to avoid accountability
Talukder was officially listed as Member No. 9 in the 11-member Bangabandhu Engineers’ Parishad committee for the DPHE, approved on August 3, 2021. However, in an attempt to distance himself from his past actions, he placed front-page advertisements in several national newspapers—including Dainik Ittefaq, Dainik Nayadiganta and Dainik Kaler Kantho—on 16 September 2025, titled “Protest letter against inclusion of name as a member in the list of Bangabandhu Engineers’ Parishad without my knowledge.” Colleagues have dismissed this attempt as absurd.
When contacted, Talukder said over the phone, “I am no longer the same person I once was. I have become more mature now. So there is no need to write anything. Write whatever you want. I have managed everything with all the concerned parties.”
Selim Reza from Sirajganj
