CCC Engineer Promoted Despite Failing, Later Demoted Amid Controversy
A Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) assistant engineer (electrical) was promoted despite having failed the oral examination required for the position — a decision that was later reversed after public outcry and media reports exposed the irregularity. All relevant decisions bore the signature of CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, sparking widespread debate and concern both within and beyond the institution.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into the matter. On Tuesday, May 20, a team from ACC’s Integrated District Office Chattogram-1, led by Assistant Director Saeed Muhammad Imran, began conducting an operation at the CCC headquarters.
“Since the involved individuals were absent at the beginning of the operation, documents will be scrutinized once they are available,” Imran said.
According to sources, despite failing the oral test, Sub-Assistant Engineer Rupak Chandra Dash was promoted to the post of Assistant Engineer (Electrical). An office order issued on April 21 promoted Rupak and three others. However, Rupak's case was exceptional — he had formally failed the oral test held on March 6.
CCC sources confirmed that eight candidates sat for the oral test that day. Only three passed: Md. Sarwar Alam Khan, Jahangir Hossain, and Fakhrul Islam. One candidate was absent, and the remaining four, including Rupak Chandra Dash, failed.
The oral test had a total score of 20, with 10 being the minimum passing mark. Rupak received a total of 9 — 4 from the technical panel and 5 from other members of the board. According to the Chattogram City Corporation Employment Service Rules 2019, a candidate must have at least eight years of service and must pass the oral exam to be eligible for promotion to Assistant Engineer (Electrical). Many have termed the promotion of Rupak as a clear violation of the rules and an abuse of authority.
What has stirred the most controversy is the dual role played by Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, whose signature appeared on both the examination result declaring Rupak failed, and the subsequent promotion order where Rupak's name appeared first. The contradiction has raised serious concerns regarding transparency and the decision-making process within CCC’s administration.
Amid mounting criticism, Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain later signed a new order revoking Rupak Chandra Dash’s promotion.
