BNP Leader Allegedly Disrupts RHD Auction in Chattogram

Staff Correspondent

Allegations of irregularities have surfaced regarding the auction of 5,000 metric tons of scrap iron by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) in Chattogram. Out of 184 schedules sold, only six bids were submitted.

Business owners have accused BNP leader Shaukat Azam Khaja, the joint secretary of the party’s Chattogram unit, and his followers of obstructing the bidding process.

On Monday, the day of bid submission, Shaukat Azam Khaja’s associates reportedly gathered with over 100 people at the RHD office in Mansurabad, allegedly attempting to control the submission process.

Several contractors claimed they were unable to submit bids due to threats from BNP members.
– Md. Selim, the proprietor of Messrs Farzana Trading, alleged he had prepared a bid worth Tk 23.3 crore but was forced to leave due to intimidation by BNP activists.
– Md. Solaiman, owner of SL Steel, lodged a written complaint stating he, too, could not submit his bid due to similar threats.
– Shafiqul Islam of Westing Trading echoed the allegations, saying, “I’m a businessman, not someone who wants trouble. Everyone knows who obstructed us.”

A representative of a Dhaka-based company, Md. Kabir, filed a general diary (GD) with Double Mooring Police Station, alleging that a designated individual for bid submission acted fraudulently, resulting in their bid not being submitted.

Business owners who participated in the auction alleged that the presence of Shaukat Azam Khaja’s followers created a hostile environment, undermining fair competition.

In response, Shaukat Azam Khaja denied the allegations, stating that his office’s proximity to the RHD office made him an easy target for accusations. “Nobody was stopped from submitting bids. Some local youths were present, but they didn’t bother anyone. It’s the auction terms that may have deterred some participants,” he claimed.

Khaja is known as a close associate of Nazimur Rahman, the member secretary of Chattogram BNP. Rahman dismissed the allegations as baseless propaganda, saying, “There’s nothing significant in this; it’s all misrepresentation.”

Shubhra Das, the executive engineer of RHD, confirmed that the complaints have been forwarded to higher authorities, who will decide on the next course of action.

Rafiqul Ahmed, the officer-in-charge of Double Mooring Police Station, said no direct complaints were made on the day of submission, but an investigation is underway.