Shahe Alam row rocks BNP

Concerns are mounting within the ruling BNP over allegations involving State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, with party leaders, ministers and MPs warning that the controversy risks undermining the government’s image and credibility.

Several BNP lawmakers said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has repeatedly instructed party members not to engage in activities that could damage public confidence in either the government or the party.

They believe the allegations surrounding Shahe Alam run contrary to that guidance.

“When the Prime Minister is trying to build a new image for the government, such conduct by a state minister is truly disappointing,” a BNP MP said.

A member of the party’s Standing Committee remarked that many long-serving leaders who endured years of political hardship were not included in the government, making it particularly concerning if those entrusted with office engage in actions that could harm the party’s reputation.

Three ministers and two state ministers, speaking anonymously, said the
controversy has created unease within the cabinet.

They described it as the first major issue involving a senior government figure since the administration took office nearly four months ago.

According to them, the matter can no longer be ignored and has become a subject of discussion at senior levels of government.

One minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is aware of the issue and that any decision regarding further action rests solely with him.

Several ministers, MPs, local leaders and activists from Bogura-2 alleged that Shahe Alam exercises considerable influence within both the party and the administration.

They claimed his conduct has caused frustration among fellow ministers, MPs and officials. However, they noted that no formal action has yet been taken against him.

Some lawmakers have also criticised what they describe as the concentration of development projects in the state minister’s constituency.

One MP alleged that Shahe Alam “is directing all projects to his own constituency”, while another suggested that the controversy risks setting an undesirable precedent if left unaddressed.

Questions have also been raised regarding project allocations. According to ministry figures, Shibganj upazila received projects worth Tk74 crore for roads, bridges and related infrastructure during the first four months of the government’s tenure.

The second-highest allocation went to Kaliganj in Gazipur, which received less than half that amount, at Tk32 crore.

Of the ministry’s total allocation of Tk1,400 crore for such works, the average allocation across 373 upazilas was approximately Tk3.8 crore, while nearly 100 upazilas reportedly received no projects during the period.

Bogura district received Tk132 crore in total allocations, around 90 per cent more than the second-ranked district.

Critics have also pointed to reports that some contracts were awarded to the state minister’s son and contractors aligned with the BNP.

The controversy has additionally drawn attention to the naming of newly created unions in Bogura. Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ziaur Rahman said a committee was formed and public consultations were conducted before recommendations were submitted.

However, Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md Taufiqur Rahman stated that only one proposed name for each union was forwarded to his office.

Further criticism has emerged over remarks made by the state minister regarding waterlogging in Chattogram.

After Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed regret in parliament over severe flooding in the city in April, Shahe Alam subsequently described reports of waterlogging as “baseless” and based on misinformation.

His comments drew attention because they appeared to differ from the Prime Minister’s earlier assessment.

A similar dispute arose over reports of a cattle market operating at a metro rail station in Uttara, Dhaka.

Following public criticism, the state minister said misleading videos had been circulated online and maintained that cattle trading was taking place only in designated market areas.

According to four members of BNP’s Standing Committee, the matter has now reached the party’s highest decision-making forum.

They said the leadership is fully aware of concerns among party members and the wider public.

Opposition figures have also criticised the controversy. BASAD’s Bogura district member secretary, Advocate Dilruba Nuri, said voters had expected a departure from past political practices and argued that recent developments had raised questions about whether those expectations were being met.

Several BNP leaders acknowledged that the issue has provided opposition parties with an opportunity to challenge the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.