Tk 300 Crore Freelancing Project Sparks Nationwide Uproar: ACC Investigation Uncovers Web of Influence
Md Mojahidul islam:
Five months have passed since the fall of the so-called fascist regime, yet the influence of their close allies seems far from over. Whispers fill tea stalls and office corners — “The likes of Masud are still doing just fine.”
Under the patronage of the Youth Council, trusted by former State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russell, a privileged circle has quietly flourished. Falling neatly into their laps is a whopping Tk 300 crore freelancing training project. The lucky winner of this grand scheme? E-Learning & Earning Ltd., owned by Masud Alam — a familiar face in political circles, an aspirant for the Awami League’s Upazila Chairman post, and a magnet for controversy.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into the project, unearthing one explosive revelation after another. Allegations claim that the Tk 297 crore project under the Department of Youth Development was practically tailor-made for Masud’s company through political muscle and bureaucratic influence. Masud faces serious accusations — including money laundering, fake certificates, and digital fraud.
Even after Sheikh Hasina’s government stepped down, Masud’s company was still awarded the project under the new “July Spirit” administration. Yet, questions loom large over whether his company, established only in 2020, was even eligible for such a massive tender in the first place.
The investigation has peeled back the curtain on some deep bureaucratic ties to E-Learning & Earning Ltd. Former top bureaucrats Mesbah Uddin and Akhtar Hossain are directly linked to the company.
Mesbah Uddin, who served as Secretary of the Youth and Sports Ministry, allegedly designed a Tk 46 crore training project during his tenure — a project that later conveniently went to his close associate Masud’s company. Shockingly, within months of his retirement, Mesbah became chairman and shareholder of the same company. His record isn’t exactly clean either — past accusations include attempted judicial coups, and he was even arrested in connection with the “July Massacre” case.
It doesn’t end there. Akhtar Hossain’s wife, Mahbuba Akhtar, is a shareholder in another of Masud’s companies, Nagadhat Bangladesh. That company, too, is connected to another former secretary, Md. Nasir Uddin. The dots connect to reveal what appears to be an all-too-familiar bureaucratic syndicate.
Twenty companies participated in the tender process, but only four were deemed eligible. At the top of that list? E-Learning & Earning Ltd. Despite swirling questions around the company’s political ties, some mysterious force ensured the project ultimately landed in Masud’s hands.
Masud Alam, a former Chhatra League leader, is well known for his close ties with local MP Nahim Razzak. He was also the Awami League’s nominated candidate for Chairman of Gosairhat Upazila. During the last national election, he managed the pro-Hasina social media page “Sheikh Hasinatei Astha” (Trust in Sheikh Hasina). His political loyalty has been generously rewarded — with the Smart Bangladesh Award, the Sheikh Hasina Youth Volunteer Award, and more.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), stated, “With no proven experience and ongoing corruption investigations, this project should be scrapped and retendered. But before that, the actual necessity of this project for the country must be thoroughly reviewed.”
Fahim Mashroor, former BASIS President and tech entrepreneur, pointed out, “Billions of takas have already been wasted under the guise of outsourcing and IT training, with little to no real impact. In the name of a new Bangladesh, the old cycle of corruption is simply being rebranded.”
Masud has dismissed all allegations as false. Regarding the recent seizure of several crore taka, he claimed it was simply salary funds for his company employees. He further insists that his company has successfully completed previous government projects.
Yet, Masud’s background reveals a consistent pattern — political grooming through Chhatra League, Awami League patronage, private businesses, and constant controversy. Apart from E-Learning & Earning, he owns Promise IT Solution, Photofixa, Nagadhat, Click The Photo, and several other ventures.
The project aims to train 28,800 young men and women in freelancing across the country. Each district will see 600 trainees. Participants will receive Tk 200 daily allowance and Tk 300 for food during the training. Eligibility? Age between 18 to 35 and at least a Higher Secondary certificate.
Power play, money games, political shadows — this story feels like an old song with a new rhythm. The burning question remains — how long will public funds be sacrificed at the altar of backdoor deals and political favoritism? Perhaps the ACC investigation will reveal the final verse of this controversial tale.