Investigative officers have found evidence of corruption and misconduct against Md. Amjad Hossain (Nipu), former personal secretary to the ex-chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), and Mahdi Ahmed, deputy director of the Engineering and Operations Division. The BTRC’s 287th Commission meeting decided to initiate departmental cases against them. This information has been confirmed from the minutes of the meeting, signed by the current BTRC Chairman, Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdad Ul Bari. Proceedings for the cases reportedly began on Wednesday.
Earlier, on August 11, both Amjad and Mahdi were temporarily suspended under BTRC Employment Regulations 2022, Sections 48 and 54, and the Government Service Regulations 2018, Sections 3(b)(g), 12. Subsequently, on August 19, the 286th BTRC meeting formed a five-member investigative committee led by Brigadier General Mohammad Khalilur Rahman, Director General of System and Services, to probe the allegations. The committee was given 15 days to submit its report.
Sources indicate that Amjad Hossain is accused of mobilizing 10,000 individuals across the country to suppress a student-led anti-discrimination movement, with support from former Chhatra League General Secretary Zakir Hossain. Amjad allegedly threatened operators with license cancellations if they did not comply. Other allegations against him include granting licenses based on political considerations, embezzling BTRC funds, and tampering with official documents. Notably, during former Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar’s tenure, Amjad is alleged to have embezzled BDT 5.3 million from a corporate social responsibility fund by arranging lavish meetings without proper vouchers and subsequently concealing related documents.
Mahdi Ahmed, on the other hand, is the son of Mahfuz Uddin Ahmed, who was appointed Managing Director of BTCL three times during the previous Awami League government. Mahfuz Uddin is currently facing charges by the Anti-Corruption Commission for misappropriating BDT 48 billion. Additionally, Amjad is accused of facilitating over 500 ISP licenses to former leaders of the Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Swechchhasebak League, allegedly with backing from Zakir Hossain, Director of ISPAB (Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh).
It is also noteworthy that the current BTRC Chairman, Engineer Mohiuddin Ahmed, is a former President of BUET’s Chhatra League and ex-Vice President of the central Swechchhasebak League. He has been accused of playing a role in corruption as well. On August 11, BTRC officials and employees staged day-long protests demanding Mohiuddin’s resignation, following the student uprising. Amjad did not return to the office after this. Mahdi was reportedly held on the same day but later released after intervention from senior officials. Employees of BTRC have also protested, calling for an end to cronyism and syndicates within the organization, and alleging harassment by the two officials.
