Audit flags irregularities in BR tamping works, questions raised over former chief engineer.

An audit report has raised serious allegations of financial irregularities in tamping and maintenance work under Bangladesh Railway’s Chattogram division, pointing to possible revenue loss and lack of oversight in contract execution. Former chief engineer Mohammad Subaktagin has been held responsible in the audit observations for negligence and facilitating undue benefit to contractors.

According to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), tamping machines were supplied to contractors free of cost in multiple contracts during FY 2019-20 and 2020-21. This reportedly deprived the government of Tk 48.7 lakh in revenue, despite prevailing rates showing a Tk 40,000 per-km charge for tamping services at the time. The audit notes that, as per SR-2013 schedule, Tk 30,000 per-km tamping rental should have been included in cost estimates — a requirement that was overlooked.

Citing clauses from the Railway Engineering Code, auditors highlighted that chief engineers are responsible for all expenditures within their division. The report claims that instead of ensuring compliance, the then chief engineer’s actions created scope for public money to be misused.

The audit further points to similar concerns across other rail-track maintenance packages, including those in Chattogram and Kishoreganj. In one instance, Tk 22 lakh was shown as expense while actual tamping work measured only 19.650 km. Another contract recorded Tk 98.88 lakh in spending without clear maintenance documentation, raising questions about execution verification.

Records reviewed in the audit indicate that the same contractor. Advance Rail Track Solution Bangladesh Limited (operating as Alahee International) was awarded multiple contracts during the period, adding to concerns over tender transparency. The report also states that advance payments were made at Tk 30,000 per-km across contracts without adequate post-work assessment.

Despite reported spending in the crores, passengers continue to complain of persistent track conditions and train delays, the audit notes, suggesting little visible improvement on the ground.

The CAG report recommends holding the then chief engineer accountable and recovering losses from those deemed responsible.

Bangladesh Railway officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the audit findings. Attempts to reach the former chief engineer for his reaction were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.