Serious allegations of widespread corruption, autocracy, and exam question leaks have been raised against Md. Zakir Hossain Bacchu, Secretary of the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), and Mohammad Monirul Islam, Manager (Operations). These allegations date back to their tenure in BCC’s administration division during the previous government.
Since their posting, Zakir Hossain Bacchu and Monirul Islam have allegedly leveraged their past affiliations with the now-banned student wing of the ruling party to execute various illegal agendas of the former ICT State Minister. Following the change in government, Monirul has reportedly switched allegiances, now claiming to be a former activist of the opposition student wing at Jagannath University. Using this new identity, he has allegedly established a reign of fear among BCC officials, suppressing dissent and manipulating administrative operations.
Sources indicate that Monirul, with the connivance of Zakir Hossain Bacchu, has been implementing various personal agendas and grievances. Despite multiple complaints and supporting evidence being submitted to BCC’s Executive Director, Dr. Muhammad Mehedi Hasan, no action has been taken against him. In the face of Monirul’s influence and alleged misconduct, BCC officials remain helpless.
Recruitment Scandal and Exam Question Leaks
In the latest first-class recruitment examination for the Liaison Officer (ITEE) position, another BCC administration officer, Md. Julaiya Dayen, along with Monirul and Zakir Hossain Bacchu, allegedly conspired to leak exam questions in favour of Israt Anamika, the illicitly married second wife of Julaiya Dayen. Anamika, an ICT Division (Planning-3) administrative officer, reportedly topped the written exam (Admit Card No. LO-055) due to this misconduct.
Upon discovering the irregularities, concerned BCC officials lodged complaints with concrete evidence to the Executive Director. Shockingly, Monirul and Julaiya Dayen admitted to the wrongdoing, with Monirul openly stating that the question leak was orchestrated with his assistance. Despite these admissions, instead of taking administrative action against the culprits, Dr Mehedi reportedly attempted to cover up the matter by failing Anamika in the practical and oral exams.
Several government department exams, including those conducted by BCC, have allegedly been compromised by a syndicate involving Zakir Hossain Bacchu, Monirul, Julaiya Dayen, and another BCC official, Madhusudan Chand. The syndicate has reportedly been involved in question leaks and recruitment corruption for financial gains. Despite repeated reports, no punitive actions have been taken against them.
Abuse of Power and Discriminatory Practices
Monirul, despite being in the administration division, used his influence to secure promotion to the significant technical position of Manager (Operations) at BCC’s National Data Centre, bypassing more qualified candidates. However, instead of assuming his technical responsibilities, he has continued working in the administration division under the guise of additional duties, allegedly colluding with Zakir Hossain Bacchu and Dr Mehedi.
It has also been reported that Monirul discriminated against 32 junior engineers at BCC by unjustly delaying their rightful salary increments. Another official of his grade was also allegedly denied legal recognition of his service period despite having all the necessary documentation. Monirul reportedly refused to accept the documents, and when the official attempted to discuss the matter with Zakir Hossain Bacchu, he was directed back to Monirul, highlighting the firm grip Monirul and Bacchu hold over BCC’s administration.
Three BCC directors have formally submitted complaints against Monirul to the Executive Director, but no action has been taken.
Financial Irregularities and Past Corruption
Monirul has a history of financial irregularities during his tenure as the Regional Director of BCC’s Khulna and Barishal offices. Allegedly, he secured a transfer to BCC’s headquarters in Dhaka by bribing the former Executive Director, Partha Pratim Dev, and subsequently aligned himself with the former State Minister of ICT. This strategic manoeuvre reportedly helped him suppress corruption reports from his previous postings.
Furthermore, Monirul has been accused of amassing illicit wealth by manipulating ICT-related tenders during his tenure as a technical evaluation committee member for the Department of Immigration and Passports. Despite his lack of technical expertise, he has allegedly used his influence to secure positions on various profitable tender committees of government institutions, ensuring personal financial gain.
There is growing unrest among BCC officials regarding Monirul and Zakir Hossain Bacchu’s unchecked corruption and autocratic conduct. However, for reasons unknown, the Executive Director of BCC appears unable or unwilling to take any action against them.
