Allegations of slow project implementation, administrative complications, dissatisfaction among officials and employees, and poor coordination with foreign companies have been raised against Md. Shaugatual Alam, Managing Director (MD) of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which operates the country’s metro rail system.
Azizur Rahman, an individual who submitted a written application to the Prime Minister, has called for an impartial investigation into the allegations, a review of the project’s progress, and appropriate administrative action.
In the application, dated October 28, 2026, he requested a review of the managing director’s performance, administrative decisions, project management capabilities, as well as the qualifications and process involved in his appointment.
The application describes the metro rail as a major national infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion in the capital and developing a modern public transportation system. However, it expresses concern over whether the project is maintaining its expected pace of progress under the current management. According to the applicant, certain decisions by the managing director and administrative complications have hindered important development and expansion activities.
Questions have also been raised in the application regarding Shaugatual Alam’s previous professional background. It states that he served as a curator at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre from 2022 to 2026. The applicant claims that during this period, he was involved in producing documentaries and visual presentations related to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the political ideology of the Awami League.
The applicant has called for a document-based review of his professional background, experience, and qualifications to lead a strategically important institution such as the metro rail.
Dissatisfaction among officials and employees has also been highlighted in the application. According to the applicant, three officials resigned due to dissatisfaction with the managing director’s conduct and administrative practices. He has called for an investigation into the actual reasons behind these resignations and whether they were linked to the managing director’s administrative decisions.
Director of Operations and Maintenance Also Faces Allegations
Meanwhile, questions have also been raised about the role of Md. Nazrul Islam, Director of Operations and Maintenance at DMTCL, in the managing director’s administrative activities.
According to the allegations, Nazrul Islam plays a significant role in implementing various administrative decisions taken by the managing director and overseeing related activities. The applicant has called for an impartial review of his previous professional and administrative record, as well as his role under the current management.
The allegations further state that Nazrul Islam held important responsibilities during the Awami League government’s tenure and was reportedly close to then Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader. However, no independently verified documents supporting these claims have been made available. The allegations therefore require further investigation before any conclusions can be drawn.
Concerns have also been expressed over the maintenance of various metro rail facilities, the power supply system, and the quality of construction work. The applicant has proposed an independent technical audit and administrative review to assess project deadlines, actual progress, expenditure, and engineering standards.
Coordination with foreign companies has received particular attention in the application. It alleges that administrative obstacles are affecting cooperation and coordination with Japanese company Marubeni and other foreign partners involved in the project.
The applicant has requested an investigation into whether these alleged obstacles are affecting project implementation, contractual obligations, or future expansion plans.
The application submitted to the Prime Minister outlines six key demands. These include an impartial investigation into the managing director’s performance and administrative decisions, an assessment of project progress and construction quality, a review of complaints concerning the treatment of officials and employees, an examination of coordination with foreign companies, and verification of the managing director’s appointment process and professional qualifications.
The applicant has stated that if the investigation establishes negligence, irregularities, or violations of applicable rules and regulations, appropriate action should be taken under the prevailing laws and regulations.
He has also called for effective oversight and accountability to ensure the timely, transparent, and quality implementation of ongoing and future metro rail projects.
The application further emphasises that the metro rail is not the property of any individual or group but a national asset developed with public funds. Therefore, ensuring accountability, competence, and professionalism among officials leading the project is essential.
However, no response from the relevant authorities or findings from any independent investigation into the allegations had been made available at the time of filing this report. The allegations should therefore not be treated as established misconduct. Applicant Azizur Rahman has sought the Prime Minister’s intervention to ensure that the allegations are properly investigated and necessary measures are taken.
To obtain comments on the allegations, multiple calls were made to the mobile phone of DMTCL Managing Director Md. Shaugatual Alam, and text messages were also sent. However, no response was received from him before this report was filed.