Masud Rana, Barisal Bureau

The Barishal City Corporation (BCC) is currently under the control of three individuals widely known as close associates of the Awami League, despite major political shifts following the August uprising and the absence of former mayor Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah.

Among them is Swapan Kumar Rohan, now head of the Record & Information (R&I) branch, who played multiple pivotal roles during Sadiq Abdullah’s tenure. Known as one of Sadiq's most trusted aides, he simultaneously held posts in administration, R&I, and as Public Relations Officer (PRO). Swapan was also the main accused in a case involving an attack on the former Executive Officer of Barisal Sadar Upazila. Leveraging the power of the former mayor, he also served as General Secretary of the Babuganj Puja Committee and currently acts as Joint Organizing Secretary of the BCC unit of the Bangabandhu Professional Council.

Another key figure is Babul Halder, present Revenue Officer of BCC and Joint General Secretary of the expired Barisal District Chhatra League committee. Babul was first appointed under Mayor Sadiq, but was later dismissed in January or February 2023 due to allegations of bribery and corruption. Just 15 days before Sadiq’s term ended, he was allegedly reinstated through illegal means, bypassing due process as outlined by the Local Government Ministry. Documents supporting his dismissal and reinstatement reportedly contain irregularities. Despite this, Babul now controls vital sections of the BCC including Trade License, Tax Assessment, Tax Collection, and Market Management branches. He was also the plaintiff in a case against a former Executive Officer of Barisal Sadar.

The third influential figure is Shahidul Islam, currently the PA (Personal Assistant) to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BCC, Rezaul Bari. Shahidul, a Joint General Secretary of Chandpura Union Awami League and Joint Organizing Secretary of the BCC Bangabandhu Professional Council, was previously appointed as Trade License Superintendent under Mayor Sadiq. Like Babul, he was dismissed in early 2023 due to corruption, only to be reinstated under questionable circumstances shortly before Sadiq’s term ended.

Repeated attempts to contact the current CEO Rezaul Bari for comment on the matter went unanswered.

This report paints a picture of continued influence and administrative control in the BCC by figures associated with the former mayor, raising questions about procedural integrity, political favoritism, and potential corruption in reinstatement processes.