KUET Engineers Allege Threats from BNP Leader
Two engineers from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) have alleged that they received threats from Molla Sohag, Organizational Secretary of Khulna’s Khan Jahan Ali Thana BNP. In response, the victims—Executive Engineer (Civil) Sheikh Abu Hayat and Executive Engineer (Civil) Md. Golam Kibria—submitted a written complaint to the Vice-Chancellor of KUET on Monday (March 3) afternoon, seeking security.
However, later in the evening, Sheikh Abu Hayat claimed he was physically assaulted. Recounting the incident, he stated, "Around 5:45 PM today (Monday), near my house at the southwestern corner of the road by Al Aqsa Mosque in Maheshwarpasha Uttar Banikpara, I was attacked. As I was returning home after Asr prayers, I saw Molla Sohag with two others on a motorcycle. A verbal altercation ensued, during which they physically assaulted me and took my glasses."
Denying the allegations, Molla Sohag admitted to an argument but refuted claims of assault. He said, "After Asr prayers, I had a heated exchange with him (Abu Hayat) near his house. He supports Jamaat-e-Islami, and I am a BNP activist. That led to the argument. But as a political leader, why would I resort to physical assault? That makes no sense."
Sources indicate that the conflict arose over waterproofing work on the roof of a KUET building. The contractor had reportedly pressured the engineers to increase the profit margin beyond the fixed 10%. When they refused, Molla Sohag allegedly issued threats.
In their written complaint, the two engineers stated that pricing for waterproofing work is determined by the engineers at the Chief Engineer’s office, considering market rates, government regulations, VAT, income tax, and a pre-set 10% profit margin.
They further alleged that Sohag had called Engineer Golam Kibria, questioning the 10% profit limit and demanding a higher profit margin. When told to discuss the matter in the office, he instead resorted to verbal abuse and threats against both engineers. Concerned for their safety, they sought protection.
Sheikh Abu Hayat detailed an earlier threatening phone call on Sunday before 3 PM, stating, "Introducing himself as the Organizational Secretary of Khan Jahan Ali Thana BNP, he called me and said—'You sit in your chair and hand out work worth Tk 1 million or 2 million to everyone, and you gave me only 10% profit?' Then he started hurling abuses at me. Five minutes later, he called again, threatening to attack my house and take action against me in Fulbarigate if I went there."
Despite admitting to making the phone calls, Molla Sohag denied making any threats. He stated, "My leader has instructed me—I don’t interfere in tenders or construction work. I don’t even have a trade license, let alone any projects at KUET. Yes, I called them, and we spoke, but I never issued any threats."
