Staff Reporter:

Despite multiple allegations of irregularities and corruption in the Coastal Towns Climate Resilience Project (CTCRP) implemented under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), no visible disciplinary action has yet been taken against Project Director Sarker Md Sajjad Kabir. He continues to serve as project director and remains involved in key administrative, financial and technical activities.

According to project-related sources, the project, with an approved cost of Tk 2,580 crore, began in January 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by June 2029. It is being implemented with financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The project aims to strengthen the climate and disaster resilience of coastal towns and improve infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems and cyclone shelters.

There have been allegations of slow implementation among people involved with the project. However, according to the latest information published by LGED, the project’s physical progress stood at 24 percent and cumulative expenditure at Tk 332.93 crore as of May 31, 2026. The same government data describes the project as ongoing and “on track.”

This indicates a discrepancy between allegations regarding field-level progress and the project’s officially reported implementation status.

Project Director Sajjad Kabir is at the centre of several allegations. Project-related sources have alleged that a powerful group has gained influence over administrative and financial decision-making during his tenure. The names of Deputy Project Director Zubaida Akter, Ujjal Tripura and several other officials have also surfaced in discussions surrounding the project.

The project’s official website lists Zubaida Akter and Ujjal Tripura as deputy project directors.

Recruitment under scrutiny

Serious allegations have also been raised over recruitment of project personnel.

According to people familiar with the project, some outsourcing staff and consultants recruited during an earlier period were subsequently removed and replaced with new personnel. There have also been allegations of financial transactions in connection with some of these appointments.

However, it cannot be established without documentary evidence and an impartial investigation whether money was actually exchanged in any particular recruitment or how much money, if any, was allegedly taken from candidates.

Questions have also been raised over the project’s design-related activities.

The project includes plans to construct and improve infrastructure in various municipalities. Sources have alleged that after the responsibilities of previously appointed designers were cancelled, design work was subsequently outsourced.

They have called for scrutiny of whether the prescribed procedures and approvals were followed, as well as whether the quality of the work and payments made against the assignments were appropriate.

Questions over consultancy packages

Several allegations have also been made concerning consultancy packages under the project.

According to project-related sources, some consultancy packages included positions for foreign team leaders, while questions have been raised about their actual presence in Bangladesh and their performance.

The allegations could be verified by examining records showing their presence in Bangladesh, the time spent working on the project, evidence of their responsibilities and duties, and payment documents.

The project has arrangements for appointing various consultants, including Project Management Consultants (PMC), Detailed Design Consultants, Institutional Capacity and Community Development Consultants and Internal Audit Consultants.

LGED also invited tenders in 2024 for appointing an internal audit consultant for the project.

These records provide an opportunity to examine whether consultant recruitment, the scope of work, performance, payments and contractual conditions were properly followed.

Construction quality questioned

Allegations have also surfaced regarding the quality of construction work under the project.

The project involves construction and improvement of roads, drainage systems, markets, cyclone shelters and other infrastructure.

Sources have alleged the use of substandard construction materials, poor workmanship and irregularities in bill payments. They have called for field inspections and technical assessments of various project packages to determine whether the allegations have merit.

Tender and contract information relating to various construction and consultancy works under the project is also available in government and ADB documents.

A review of recruitment records, consultancy agreements, attendance records, design documents, bills and vouchers, measurement books and technical quality-assessment reports would therefore be necessary to establish the facts.

Sajjad remains PD so far

The continuation of Sajjad Kabir in his position despite the allegations has raised questions among people involved with the project.

It remains unclear whether any formal investigation has been initiated into the allegations, whether an investigation has already been conducted and, if so, what progress has been made. Questions have also been raised over how the project’s financial and administrative decisions are being monitored if any inquiry is underway.

According to official information, Sajjad Kabir has been serving as project director since December 22, 2025. The project’s website also contains records of several field-level inspections conducted by him in 2026.

In other words, despite the allegations, he remains actively involved in the implementation of the project.

Given the project’s size and its ADB financing, transparency, financial accountability and compliance with procurement procedures are particularly important.

An impartial review of the allegations could determine whether any irregularities occurred and whether those responsible should face action. At the same time, if the allegations are found to be unsubstantiated, the concerned officials and individuals should also be cleared through an appropriate investigation.

For a project involving approximately Tk 2,580 crore in public and development financing, a transparent examination of recruitment, consultancy appointments, design work, construction quality, payments and procurement procedures would be essential to establish the facts and ensure accountability.