Even before coming to power, old-style politics of corruption, lobbying, and abuse of influence is allegedly resurfacing. With these explosive allegations, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is once again at the center of controversy. There are widespread rumors in political and administrative circles that extortion, tender manipulation, and the sale of postings to key state positions are already underway using Tarique Rahman’s name. It is alleged that intense efforts are being made to “manage” top-level administrative posts in exchange for tens of millions of taka.
According to various sources, lobbying rackets have formed around extremely sensitive and strategic state positions, including the Chairman of the National Housing Authority, the Director General of the Food Directorate, the Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The allegations claim that several individuals from the Bogura region, Gias Uddin Al Mamun who is known as a close associate of Tarique Rahman, and some relatives from his wife’s side of the family are involved in these lobbying activities.
Political observers say that if such allegations are surfacing even before coming to power, this is not just an internal crisis of a political party. It raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of future state governance. There is a growing public fear that the corruption, illegal influence, and patronage politics that once tainted the political system may be making a return.
