Adilur Rahman Khan, the recently departed interim government’s former adviser for Industry, Housing, and Public Works in Bangladesh, has come under sharp criticism for allegedly prioritising personal convenience over the rights of local residents. While Mr Khan has long positioned himself as a champion of citizens’ rights, local sources allege that he misused his authority to displace neighbours and construct a new private access road to his ancestral residence in Bhuiyapara, Shrinagar Upazila, Munshiganj, despite an existing government road already serving the property.
Residents claim there was no genuine necessity for the road, yet approximately BDT 10 million was spent on building a 402-metre stretch. Reports suggest the project disregarded official regulations. Though initially approved as a 12-foot wide road, parts of it now measure between 16 and 19 feet, exceeding the sanctioned dimensions.
Key Details of the Road Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bhuiyapara, Shrinagar Upazila, Munshiganj |
| Length | 402 metres |
| Approved Width | 12 feet |
| Actual Width | 16–19 feet |
| Estimated Cost | BDT 10 million |
| Contractor | Orio Construction (Saifur Rahman) |
| Oversight | Project Director & District Administration |
Eyewitnesses report that district authorities, along with the local Assistant Commissioner (Land), allegedly assisted in placing government “lease property” signs on neighbours’ homes, effectively paving the way for eviction. Furthermore, an electricity pole was reportedly installed inside a neighbour’s property, and a bridge was constructed to benefit a family associate of Mr Khan.
One affected resident, Rubel, stated: “The branch road from Sholo Ghar Bus Stand is only 10 feet wide, yet he built a 17-foot road to access his home. Our house was demolished, and a government lease sign was installed. Even after the news coverage, the sign was removed. If it was genuinely government property, why was it later taken down?” Another neighbour added: “This was my ancestral property. Our house was demolished, tenants intimidated, and we received no compensation or consultation.”
Local sources noted that a 50-year-old road already existed at the site, making the new construction unnecessary. The contractor, Saifur Rahman, defended the work, claiming: “The road was initially approved at 12 feet. Later, certain sections were expanded to 16 and 20 feet to accommodate vehicles, with supervision from the Project Director and district authorities. I have not yet received extra payment for the additional work.”
Shrinagar Upazila Engineer, Md. Mahiful Islam, confirmed: “Our role was limited to supervision to ensure the work was carried out properly. The District Engineer can provide further details.”
Repeated attempts to contact Munshiganj District Commissioner Syeda Nurmahal Ashrafi were unsuccessful, as she was reportedly in meetings. Efforts to reach Adilur Rahman Khan by phone also failed.
The controversy raises serious questions about administrative oversight, abuse of power, and the ethical responsibilities of former public officials, particularly when personal convenience appears to override the rights of local communities.