Alimuzzaman :  Md Ilyas Ahmed, the Superintending Engineer of Circle-1 in the Public Works Department (PWD), has been accused of widespread corruption and illicit dealings.  Ahmed, who allegedly secured his position through political maneuvering during the reign of the previous government, is reported to have amassed hundreds of crores of taka through tender manipulation and trade-based transfers. Upon the previous administration’s rise to power, Ahmed was transferred from Narayanganj to the coveted Ramna-1 sub-division of the Public Works Department. His assignment to this prestigious post is seen as highly unusual, as only a select few in each batch secure such high-profile postings. This appointment allegedly came as a result of hefty bribes paid to influential figures, including Iqbal, a close associate of then Minister of State for Public Works Advocate Mannan Khan.

Ahmed’s rise continued as he was promoted to Executive Engineer and posted to Mohakhali PWD Division, from where he secured a high-profile position in Dhaka Division-2 at Motri Hall, with the help of APS Noor Khan, reportedly paying several crores of taka for the transfer. However, due to allegations of corruption related to massive arrears in Dhaka Division-2, then Chief Engineer Hafizur Rahman Munshi transferred him as punishment. Unhappy with his demotion, Ahmed allegedly enlisted the support of influential individuals such as Jubo League leader Samrat and tender-business owner Golam Kibria (GK) Shamim. This group worked to promote Mohammad Rafiqul Islam to Chief Engineer, and after succeeding, Ahmed was reinstated to his previous post in Dhaka Division-2.

Meanwhile, contractors with ties to the Awami League allegedly helped Ahmed secure a transfer to the Azimpur Public Works Department, where he oversaw the construction of residential buildings worth thousands of crores of taka. For six years, he controlled the project tender process, handling around Tk 4,500 crore. Despite dissatisfaction among contractors over his high commissions, they reportedly had no choice but to comply due to his influential connections. Ahmed further solidified his political ties by aligning himself with Awami League leaders, and during SM Rezaul Karim’s tenure as Minister of Public Works, he gained significant influence in the department.

Together with Awami League leader Anam Mazaharul Islam, he allegedly formed a Barisal-based syndicate controlling transfers, tenders, promotions, and foreign travel within the department. When Rezaul Karim lost his ministerial position, Ahmed continued his climb, eventually securing the role of Chief Engineer. His close relationship with influential figures, including Nusrat Hossain and Chief Engineer Shamim Akhtar, led to his promotion as Superintending Engineer of PWD Circle-1.

Recent reports suggest that Ahmed also financially supported dummy elections held in January 2024, contributing funds to the campaigns of several prominent Awami League leaders, including Jahangir Kabir Nanak, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Abdur Rahman, Sham Rezaul Karim, and Sharif Ahmed. Attempts to contact Ilyas Ahmed for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls.