Allegations have surfaced against Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), over embezzlement of around Tk 486 crore in a ship procurement project, abuse of power, and money laundering.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has found preliminary evidence supporting these claims, indicating a major financial scandal in the country’s maritime sector.
During the Awami League government, Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, served as managing director (MD) of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC).
According to the investigation, during his tenure between 2022 and 2023, a decision was made to purchase six ships at a cost of Tk 2,486 crore, but only four were eventually bought. The remaining Tk 486 crore was allegedly embezzled. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has found primary evidence supporting these allegations.
The name of former Barishal City Corporation mayor AK Abdullah Khokon, also known as Khokon Serniabat—a relative of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina—has also emerged as an accomplice in the chairman’s alleged corruption.
Jahangir Hossain, education and commerce affairs secretary of the Khulna city unit of the Awami League, is accused of openly facilitating these activities.
Investigations reveal that this syndicate carried out widespread corruption not only at Chittagong Port but also at Mongla Port and in various BSC projects.
Additionally, with the support of Khokon Serniabat and Jahangir Hossain, major irregularities were found in the Tk 1,538 crore Pashur Channel conservation dredging project at Mongla Port.
As a result, ordinary businesspeople are being deprived of work opportunities due to fear and undue influence.
In this situation, affected businesspeople have submitted written complaints to the chairman of the Mongla Port Authority and the then shipping adviser. Following this, the port authority and several intelligence agencies have launched investigations.
The complaint states that Jahangir Hossain, owner of Khalid Brothers & Company, has controlled cargo handling and transport at the port for the past 17 years with support from former Khulna mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque. Despite being accused in cases related to attacks and vandalism during last year’s student movement, he has reportedly remained influential while in hiding.
However, Jahangir Hossain denied the allegations, saying there are currently no cases against him and that his business has been conducted based on merit. He claimed those not getting work are spreading false propaganda.
Meanwhile, Khokon Serniabat’s company, M/s Union Enterprise, remains active despite him being a fugitive in multiple cases. It is alleged that his brother-in-law Mostak Mithu is running the business on his behalf. The company is accused of monopolising the unloading of imported government wheat and rice, in violation of port policies.
Another businessman, Shamsuzzaman Rasel, linked to both Chittagong and Mongla ports, has also been accused. Although reportedly in hiding, his company Green Enterprise continues to operate at Mongla Port.
Several complainants, speaking anonymously, said that for the past 17 years, fear, intimidation, enforced disappearance, and even threats of killing prevented anyone from speaking out. They claim the situation has not improved significantly even after the change in government. Instead, a powerful group is allegedly trying to destabilise the port to maintain control.
Affected people also submitted a complaint to the ACC chairman alleging irregularities in contracts and recruitment processes in multiple projects involving Chittagong Port Authority, BSC, and Mongla Port Authority, along with accusations of illicit wealth accumulation and money laundering. A copy of the letter has been obtained by The Bangladesh Post.
After that, the ACC formed an investigation team led by Assistant Director Md Nawshab Ali, with Deputy Assistant Director Md Imran Akon as a member.
After a lengthy process, the team compiled a report using data from open sources, documents from government and private institutions, internal records, and personal sources.
The report found clear evidence of irregularities in the ship procurement project involving Moniruzzaman, including financial inconsistencies of around Tk 486 crore. It also revealed that crude oil transport costs were inflated by USD 30–40 per metric tonne, causing losses of several hundred crore taka.
Investigators further identified links between the chairman’s family and these transactions, along with allegations of high-level financial dealings in securing his appointment as port chairman.
The ACC also found evidence of overseas assets and money laundering, with part of the project funds allegedly used to purchase properties abroad and transfer money overseas.
Several properties in Atlanta were reportedly bought through “Mukul Construction” in the names of Md Sajid Hasan and Tanzim Hasan, while investments in Qatar were traced through Md Jillur Rahman. Investigators found major irregularities in both the source and transfer of funds.
Irregularities were also detected in the Tk 1,538.19 crore Pashur Channel dredging project, including abnormal financial transactions and flawed work allocation. The report suggests these were part of a broader, long-term scheme enabled by weak transparency and accountability.
Later, the ACC has reconstituted its investigation team, led by Deputy Director Md Nazmus Sadat, to further probe allegations of corruption, irregularities in contracts and recruitment, illicit wealth accumulation, and money laundering.
The team includes Deputy Director Tanzir Hasib Sarker, Assistant Director Raju Ahmed, and Assistant Director Abu Bakar Siddique.
Md Nazmus Sadat said, “We have obtained sufficient evidence of abuse of power, irregularities, embezzlement, money laundering, and illegal wealth accumulation against the chairman of Chattogram Port Authority. We have collected all relevant documents, including approvals, financial allocations, tender documents, bids, evaluation reports, contracts, progress reports, and payment records. Action will be taken soon based on the findings.”
He added that another ACC wing is also investigating the matter, and a final report will be submitted after completing the inquiry.
CPA Secretary (acting) Syed Refayet Hamim said the matter is under investigation and declined to comment further, adding that no official communication regarding ship procurement corruption has yet reached his desk.
Repeated attempts to contact the port chairman via phone went unanswered.
