Mashrakha Jahan Mona

Despite facing allegations of corruption, bribery, commission trading, money laundering and abuse of power, Additional Secretary Md Shahjahan Mia (ID No. 6279) has been appointed to a new post at the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, just over a month after being made an officer on special duty (OSD).

Mia was placed on OSD status amid allegations of irregularities and abuse of office. However, instead of facing a conclusion to the alleged investigations, he has now been given a key posting at the sensitive ministry, according to government orders.

The latest appointment has reportedly sparked criticism among some officials and civil society members, who have questioned the government's handling of allegations against senior officials and the transparency of the ongoing administrative reform process.

On July 23, 2026, the Secondary and Higher Education Division transferred Mia to the Ministry of Public Administration and appointed him as an OSD, attached to the post of additional secretary.

However, within weeks, another notification was issued by the Senior Appointment-1 Branch of the Ministry of Public Administration.

According to the notification dated September 2, 2026, bearing memorandum No. 05.00.0000.130.19.0002.26.1002, Mia was appointed additional secretary at the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

The development has raised questions over how an official facing allegations of serious misconduct could receive another important posting before the allegations are fully investigated.

A recent investigative report published by the English-language daily The Country Today reportedly raised allegations of large-scale corruption against Mia.

According to the report, Mia had close ties with an influential minister during the previous government and allegedly used his positions in several important institutions to facilitate financial irregularities and money laundering.

The report alleged that while serving as administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and managing director of Dhaka WASA, Mia was involved in irregularities relating to bill payments, procurement and recruitment of workers on a master roll.

It further alleged that a syndicate associated with him collected commissions ranging from 10 to 15 percent in connection with the release of around Tk 1,500 crore in outstanding bills at DSCC. The alleged commission was estimated at around Tk 162 crore.

The report also raised allegations of irregularities during his tenure as administrator of Faridpur Municipality.

The Society for Enforcement of Basic Rights (SEBR), a human rights organisation, submitted written complaints against Mia to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ministry of Public Administration.

The complaints reportedly alleged that Mia acquired several luxury apartments in affluent areas of Dhaka, including Dhanmondi and Baridhara, using allegedly illicit income.

They also alleged that large amounts of agricultural land were purchased in Mirzaganj of Patuakhali and Betagi of Barguna in his name and in the names of members of his in-laws' family.

The complaints further alleged that foreign currencies, including US dollars and British pounds, were transferred abroad through relatives and associates. The allegations reportedly involve assets and transactions in the United States, Australia and Dubai.

These allegations would require verification through competent authorities and relevant investigations.

According to sources in the administration, Mia has faced transfer or investigation-related measures on several occasions but subsequently secured favourable postings through lobbying and political connections.

Sources alleged that after being transferred to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief in the past, he did not join the post and instead secured a posting at the Secondary and Higher Education Division through lobbying.

His latest appointment, shortly after being made OSD, has therefore raised fresh questions among officials and members of the public.

Several experienced government officials and concerned citizens have called for scrutiny of how an official facing allegations involving corruption, commission trading and money laundering could continue to receive important postings without the allegations being conclusively addressed.

They said failure to properly investigate such allegations could undermine public confidence in the administration and weaken efforts to establish accountability.

Some members of civil society have demanded that the latest appointment to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs be reviewed and, if necessary, cancelled.

They have also called for an independent, high-level investigation into the allegations against Mia, including his alleged irregularities, corruption and unexplained assets, and for legal action if the allegations are substantiated.

Regarding the allegations, his comments were sought via WhatsApp but he did not respond.