Harassment in withdrawing pensions in Railway Eastern Zone alleged
MR Amin, Chattogram
After a long working life, retirement is expected to bring peace and security. However, for many retired officers and employees of the Bangladesh Railway Eastern Zone in Chattogram, that relief has turned into suffering.
Allegations have emerged that even to withdraw pension money, bribes are being demanded.
Victims say that at every stage—processing pension files, approval, and final disbursement—“extra payments” are being demanded. If the money is not paid, files are delayed, unnecessarily held up, or new documents are repeatedly requested as a means of harassment.
A retired employee, requesting anonymity, said, “We no longer have a regular income. At this age, we are being forced to pay bribes just to withdraw our own money. Otherwise, we have to visit the office for months.”
Another victim said, “There are certain people who indirectly indicate how much money must be paid. If you pay, the work is done quickly; if not, the file does not move at all.”
Allegations suggest that an unofficial syndicate, formed by some dishonest officials and employees, is controlling the entire process. As a result, many are forced to pay bribes to receive their pension money.
Due to such irregularities, retired employees are facing not only financial losses but also severe mental distress. Despite physical weakness due to age, they are being forced to visit offices repeatedly and suffer harassment.
Serious allegations have been raised against a powerful syndicate involving Divisional Finance Advisor (DFA) Md. Abdur Rahim, who is in charge of pension operations in the Eastern Zone of Bangladesh Railway.
It is also alleged that with the support of Additional Chief Finance Advisor Md. Saidur Rahman, the syndicate has become increasingly reckless. Reports claim that individuals involved have accumulated significant wealth including flats, houses, and vehicles through bribery. Despite ongoing discussions and criticism, no effective action has been taken, raising questions about accountability within the railway administration. Multiple reliable sources have confirmed this information.
Sources say that DFA Abdur Rahim has long been accused of not processing work without bribes.
If the required amount is not paid, pension files do not move forward. He is also allegedly influential in procurement-related committees of the railway and is accused of collecting around 0.5 percent commission from various purchases.
It is further alleged that with such earnings, a four-storey old building purchased with land in Zornapara area of Double Mooring in Chattogram at a cost of around 10 crore taka is being renovated into a 14-storey structure. He is also reported to have purchased a flat at Mohona Tower near the PBI office in Pahartali, Chattogram. Additionally, there are reports of ownership of multiple flats in Halishahar and surrounding areas.
He is also said to own luxury vehicles for personal use, along with significant assets including a market in his home district Joypurhat.
Furthermore, allegations state that a bungalow above the Ladies Club under his name has been illegally rented out to outsiders. Tenants are reportedly using railway gas and electricity. Parking spaces have been converted into rooms for rent, and trees have been cut down to create additional parking areas, causing damage to railway property and environmental harm.
Recently, a dispute involving a bribe transaction of 20,000 taka came into attention when the money was reportedly left on the table after disagreement over a higher amount. A photo of the incident later went viral, bringing further public discussion. However, despite awareness of these allegations, no visible action has been taken by the authorities.
When contacted at his office, DFA Abdur Rahim of the Eastern Zone of Bangladesh Railway declined to speak, citing busyness. Repeated attempts to reach him on his mobile phone were unsuccessful.
When asked about the matter, Additional Chief Finance Advisor of the Eastern Zone, Md. Saidur Rahman, said he was not aware of any such bribery-related activities.
