Khulna WASA designer ‘acts as officer’, embezzles funds, misusing power
Masum Billah Imran, Khulna Bureau:
GM Abdul Ghaffar, a designer at Khulna WASA, is facing serious allegations of corruption, misconduct, and abuse of power, reportedly using political influence to rise through the ranks and operate beyond his official capacity.
Originally appointed as a pump operator, Ghaffar’s position was later transferred to a relative, and he was instead posted as a designer. Leveraging political connections during the tenure of the previous government, he became general secretary of the Khulna WASA Employees’ Union. Since then, allegations of irregularities, financial embezzlement, and intimidation have mounted.
Sources allege that Ghaffar bypassed office duties while continuing to collect full salary and benefits. His attendance record reveals he did not sign in from June 26 to July 3, yet no disciplinary action has been taken. WASA Finance and Administration Officer Jhumur Bala Bishwas had officially recommended action for his absence, but it remains unaddressed.
Beyond absenteeism, Ghaffar is accused of manipulating promotions, influencing staff transfers, interfering in tenders, and making questionable recruitments through outsourcing. He allegedly facilitated irregular housing allocations and unlawfully made temporary employees permanent by exploiting loopholes. Additionally, he is accused of filing false cases against fellow employees, which allowed him to siphon off large sums of money.
On April 16, a case was filed at Khalishpur Police Station naming five people, including four WASA employees, for allegedly attacking Ghaffar and warehouse keeper Rabiul Islam. However, the accused claim the case is fabricated, calling it a cover-up to mask Ghaffar’s corrupt practices.
Former union leaders, including Mukul Hossain, resigned in protest, citing nine specific allegations against Ghaffar. Protesters accuse him of awarding work orders worth over Tk 6 lakh to selected employees without proper accounting. Despite being required to submit yearly expense reports, no such records have been filed, according to sources.
Ghaffar had previously faced backlash during his service at Khulna City Corporation. Reports suggest he was also the target of a “shoe procession” by general employees at Khulna WASA—symbolizing public anger against him.
Ghaffar has denied all allegations, claiming, “These are lies spread by my opponents. I often need to move between four offices, which sometimes prevents me from signing the attendance book. But I work tirelessly—even skipping meals to get things done.”
In response to queries about the allegations, newly appointed Khulna WASA Managing Director Abu Sayed Md. Manjurul Alam said, “I took charge only three days ago and haven’t even been to the office yet. I’ll visit this afternoon to look into the matter. There will be zero tolerance for irregularities.”
Despite mounting evidence and discontent among staff, no formal disciplinary action has yet been taken against GM Abdul Ghaffar, raising questions about accountability within Khulna WASA.