Influence Claims Rock Bangladesh Railway as Prime Contracts Bypass Tender Process
Bangladesh’s busiest railway hub, Kamalapur Railway Station, serving over 100,000 passengers daily, is at the heart of a growing controversy over how lucrative contracts are being awarded. A contractor, Anisur Rahman, also known as Tipu, has secured prime shop space within the station without any competitive bidding, a process usually required by railway policy.
The allocated spot, directly in front of the platforms, is considered one of the station’s most valuable commercial locations. It includes a 480-square-foot shop but allows access to a 12,000-square-foot open area for customer seating. Despite previous applications for this exact location being denied, Mr. Rahman’s company, Sikdar Construction, received the allocation, with an annual lease fixed at a low Tk 250 per square foot.
This shop deal is not Mr. Rahman’s only recent success. He has emerged as a dominant figure in railway contracting, securing multiple agreements including leases for public toilets across several stations. Additionally, a company owned by his wife is set to lease the parking area at Airport Railway Station, despite allegations from other contractors of a manipulated bidding process.
Railway sources suggest Mr. Rahman frequently introduces himself as a friend of ministers and members of parliament, allegedly using political connections to obtain contracts. He denies these claims. Bangladesh Railway Director General Afzal Hossain stated a shop was needed at Kamalapur and that allocations could legally occur without a tender. However, he admitted being unaware why previous applications for the same spot were rejected. Regarding Mr. Rahman’s repeated success, Mr. Hossain noted, “They have influence at Kamalapur.”
Before the July mass uprising, contracts in the Kamalapur area were reportedly controlled by a contractor linked to the then-ruling Awami League. Railway sources indicate Mr. Rahman, previously a close associate of that contractor, has since forged ties with leaders of the BNP, including lawmaker Munshi Rafiqul Alam Majnu, who is also a railway contractor.
State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid acknowledged knowing Mr. Rahman and Mr. Alam as long-time contractors but denied any role in awarding them contracts or offering special benefits. However, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman called the allegations “disappointing,” describing them as a significant example of conflict of interest and rule violations at the ministry level. He warned that such practices undermine government efforts for positive change.
The controversy highlights concerns about transparency and fairness in public procurement, especially at a vital national transport hub.
