3 officials of Government Housing Directorate suspended

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works has temporarily suspended three senior officials from the Government Housing Directorate on charges of corruption, including irregularities in housing allocations, soliciting bribes, and involvement in illegal financial activities.

In a notification issued on Thursday (September 18), signed by Ministry Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam, the suspended officials include Deputy Director Rashed Ahmed Sadi, Assistant Director Bilal Hossain, and Assistant Accountant Md. Nazrul Islam.

The suspensions, effective immediately, are part of an ongoing investigation into their alleged misconduct.

Assistant Director Bilal Hossain is accused of approving housing allocations without regard to applicants' grades or basic eligibility. He is also alleged to have solicited bribes for D-1 and D-2 class housing allocations and mishandled responsibilities during the September 7 housing allocation meeting.

The notification stated that his continued service during the investigation could interfere with the probe.

Deputy Director Rashed Ahmed Sadi faces allegations of involvement in a syndicate, which reportedly facilitated housing allocations in exchange for bribes and illegally accumulated wealth. These charges are deemed sensitive, and his suspension follows concerns that his presence could obstruct the investigation.

Assistant Accountant Md. Nazrul Islam is accused of engaging in bribery and irregularities through a syndicate that allegedly exploited the names of senior officials to solicit funds. His suspension was ordered in light of the ongoing investigation into these allegations.

The suspensions are enforced under Section 12(1) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018.

All three officials will receive food allowances as per the rules during their suspension period.