Serious allegations have surfaced against Agriculturist Md Yunus Ali, Assistant Private Secretary (APS) to the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, regarding his alleged influence over administrative activities within the ministry.

The allegations include controlling access to the minister, influencing administrative decisions, lobbying for transfers and postings, involvement in project director appointments, and allegedly seeking financial benefits in connection with government allocations and file processing.

The claims have emerged from political figures, public representatives, ministry insiders and various media reports. According to the complainants, the alleged excessive influence of an APS in key decision-making processes has created discomfort among officials and raised concerns over administrative transparency.

In a post from his verified Facebook account, Dr Khondaker Akbar Hossain Babul alleged that the conduct and activities of Agriculturist Md Yunus Ali have created a situation where many believe he is exercising authority beyond the scope of his official responsibilities.

Dr Babul claimed that despite visiting the ministry for two consecutive days, he was unable to meet Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, while certain selected individuals were allegedly granted access during the same period. He further alleged that many party leaders, activists and well-wishers who stood by the party during difficult times are also struggling to secure meetings despite genuine needs.

According to him, although there were instructions from the Secretary General not to create barriers for visitors seeking appointments, the directive was allegedly not properly implemented.

Similar concerns have also been raised by several public representatives. They claimed that meeting the minister has become difficult without approval from APS Yunus Ali, allegedly creating complications in development activities, administrative coordination and urgent decision-making processes in different areas.

Officials from various agencies under the Local Government Division have also reportedly expressed dissatisfaction. Ministry sources claimed that many officials have had to wait for extended periods to meet the minister regarding important administrative matters. They said such delays have affected project approvals, postings, policy decisions and routine official activities.

There are also allegations that Yunus Ali attempted to influence decisions involving several organisations under the ministry, including Bangladesh Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Limited (Milk Vita), different WASAs, city corporations and the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). Allegations of interference in Milk Vita’s recruitment and administrative activities have also been raised.

Serious allegations have further emerged regarding transfers and postings of officials at different levels of the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE). According to sources, financial transactions involving significant amounts have allegedly taken place in connection with appointments ranging from executive engineers to senior positions.

Recent allegations have also surrounded the posting of Executive Engineer Md Nasrullah in Cox’s Bazar district. However, independent comments from the individuals concerned regarding these allegations could not be obtained.

Sources related to autonomous organisations, city corporations, municipalities and district councils under the Local Government Division have also alleged that commissions were sought in exchange for releasing development allocations. They claimed that files related to various development projects were deliberately delayed to secure financial advantages.

Allegations have also been made regarding influence over government procurement and tender approval processes. Multiple sources claimed that unethical benefits were allegedly sought during file processing before proposals were forwarded to the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP). They further alleged that important files were delayed before being presented to the minister when such demands were not fulfilled.

Recently, several postings within the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) sparked renewed discussion. A report published by the Daily Jugantor on June 28, 2026, raised questions regarding executive engineer appointments in Jamalpur and Mymensingh. The report alleged that ministry-level influence played a role in assigning important responsibilities to controversial officials.

Investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer also raised concerns on social media, claiming that these postings had created questions within the administration and that there were allegations of external influence in the decision-making process.

Earlier, in another social media post on May 19, 2026, Saer questioned alleged attempts to bring former Executive Engineer Md Firoz Alam Talukder back into a significant position. It was alleged that pressure was applied on LGED to recommend his name as Project Director of the “Important Bridges on Rural Roads (2nd Phase)” project.

Additionally, a report published by the Daily Khola Kagoj on June 22, 2026, questioned the appointment process of several controversial officials as project directors in different projects. Allegations of ministry-level influence were also raised in connection with those processes.

Administrative observers said repeated allegations involving an APS have raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the ministry. They stressed the importance of an impartial investigation to verify the claims.

However, Agriculturist Md Yunus Ali’s response regarding the allegations could not be obtained.

A former female physician has been sued for allegedly orchestrating a sustained online defamation campaign against a private medical college in Gazipur through social media, anonymous emails, and other digital platforms, while also allegedly issuing death threats to individuals associated with the institution.

The case was filed on Sunday (June 28) before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Dhaka under Sections 500 (Defamation) and 506 (Criminal Intimidation) of the Penal Code, 1860. The case has been registered as CR Case No. 517/26. The court has taken cognizance of the complaint and directed the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police to investigate the allegations.

The plaintiff is Md. Kamruzzaman Masud, the authorized representative and College Secretary of International Medical College & Hospital. The sole accused is Dr. Kajol Akter, who previously served in the institution’s Department of Pathology.

According to the case petition, International Medical College & Hospital, operated by International Medicare Limited, has been providing medical education and healthcare services for the past 26 years. During her tenure, Dr. Kajol Akter allegedly faced allegations of serious professional misconduct, ethical violations, and breaches of institutional discipline. Following a departmental inquiry, the college authorities terminated her employment on August 9, 2025.

The complaint alleges that after her dismissal, Dr. Kajol Akter, with the assistance of others, launched a coordinated campaign to damage the institution’s reputation. It claims that she concealed her identity by using pseudonyms, fake Facebook accounts, anonymous WhatsApp numbers, and email addresses to disseminate misleading and defamatory content targeting the college and hospital.

According to the case documents, on October 10, 2025, defamatory messages targeting members of the institution’s governing body and faculty were allegedly circulated from an anonymous WhatsApp number. On January 25 this year, a fake Facebook profile under the name “Zulfikar Khan” allegedly attempted to discredit the institution in a Facebook group titled “Medical Admission Helpline 2025-2026.”
The petition further alleges that on February 26, an anonymous email containing misleading information was sent to the college’s official email address. It also claims that on February 24, defamatory and offensive content concerning the institution’s administrative policies and its Managing Director was published through a Facebook page named “Probash World,” which the plaintiff alleges was operated by Dr. Kajol Akter.

The plaintiff states that the alleged misinformation created confusion among students and guardians, prompting the college authorities to form a five-member high-level investigation committee on March 7. According to the complaint, an analysis of digital and technological evidence indicated that the anonymous Facebook accounts, email addresses, and WhatsApp numbers were being operated by Dr. Kajol Akter.

Following the collection of digital evidence, the institution filed a General Diary (GD No. 260) with Bhatara Police Station on April 5. Subsequently, a legal notice was served on the accused on May 10, but, according to the plaintiff, no response was received.

The complaint further alleges that despite the legal action, Dr. Kajol Akter and her associates became more aggressive, allegedly threatening the institution’s Managing Director, M. A. Mubin Khan, along with other officials and employees, and attempting to intimidate them into leaving their jobs.

The plaintiff contends that the alleged orchestrated defamation campaign has caused significant damage to the institution’s long-established reputation, public trust, and financial interests within the medical education and healthcare sector. The petition requests the court to take appropriate legal action, issue an arrest warrant against the accused, and impose the maximum punishment permitted under the law.

Nabil Group of Industries has challenged a number of statements made about the company during discussions on Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC at the National Parliament’s budget session, claiming that several allegations and figures presented in the House do not correspond with its audited financial statements, banking records, and information available with relevant regulatory authorities.

In this regard, Nabil Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Agriculturist Md. Aminul Islam submitted an application to the Prime Minister on Tuesday. Copies of the application were also sent to the Finance Minister, the Home Minister, and the Governor of Bangladesh Bank. The company has additionally requested the Speaker of Parliament to remove what it described as inaccurate information regarding Nabil Group from the parliamentary proceedings.

According to the application, remarks made in Parliament suggesting that the group availed itself of Tk 700 crore in letters of credit (LCs) from Islami Bank after August 5, 2024, without making payments do not reflect the actual banking records. The company stated that between August 5, 2024 and the present, it opened LCs worth Tk 7,181 crore for the import of essential consumer goods, industrial raw materials, and other trading products.

The company said that bills amounting to Tk 5,733 crore against those LCs have already been settled in accordance with international trade and banking practices. The remaining Tk 1,448 crore in sight and accepted bills are being paid according to their respective due dates, it added.

Nabil Group also disputed claims that its total banking liabilities amount to Tk 16,000 crore. Citing audited financial reports, the company said its total banking liabilities stood at Tk 5,868 crore as of June 2025, compared with Tk 7,864 crore in August 2024. The company stated that it had reduced its banking liabilities by more than Tk 2,000 crore within a year and maintained that it has never defaulted on any bank loan. It further said that all banking activities are being conducted in compliance with Bangladesh Bank regulations and prevailing banking rules.

The group also rejected suggestions that its funds were used to finance the election campaign of any political party. It stated that Nabil Group is a business enterprise with no affiliation to any political organization.

According to the application, neither Nabil Group nor any of its affiliated entities has been found guilty of loan embezzlement, money laundering, or financial fraud. The company further stated that its Managing Director and family members continue to reside in Bangladesh and do not possess any undisclosed or illegal assets abroad.

Nabil Group noted that it has been operating in the agriculture, industry, food products, transportation, import-export, and consumer goods sectors for more than two decades. Referring to data from the National Board of Revenue, the company said it has remained among the country’s top five importers of consumer goods for two consecutive years. Its total imports during the 2023–24 fiscal year amounted to USD 1.21 billion.

The company stated that it directly employs more than 25,000 people, while more than 200,000 individuals are indirectly dependent on its operations. It added that approximately 80 percent of its investments are concentrated in northern Bangladesh.

Nabil Group further said that following the political changes of August 2024, its executives, family members, and relatives have continued to live in Bangladesh. According to the company, the Managing Director, his spouse, children, and parents reside in Rajshahi, where the children also pursue their education.

The application also highlighted the group’s social initiatives, stating that more than 1,500 widowed and underprivileged women have been employed at its industrial park. The company said it continues to support various social welfare activities and employment-generation programs.

In the sports sector, Nabil Group noted that Rajshahi Warriors, owned by the group, won the Bangladesh Premier Cricket League title this year, while Rajshahi Stars FC secured the Bangladesh Women’s Premier Football League championship. The company also stated that Rajshahi Stars FC is set to participate in the AFC Women’s Club competition.

In its application, Nabil Group argued that allegations against any individual or institution should be assessed on the basis of verifiable information, documents, and evidence. It stated that unverified claims made in parliamentary discussions could affect not only the concerned institution but also the broader business and investment environment.

The company has therefore called for an inquiry by Bangladesh Bank or another independent authority to examine the matter on the basis of documented facts and records. Nabil Group also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its business operations and contributing to the country’s economic activities.

An alleged attempt to gain control of one of Bangladesh’s leading private television channels, Independent Television, has reportedly failed despite what insiders describe as a coordinated campaign by a group of opportunist media workers seeking to exploit the country’s changing political landscape.

According to multiple sources within the organization, a faction of employees allegedly attempted to establish influence over the broadcaster following the political transition of August 5. Employees claim that the group sought to create a culture of intimidation and leverage the names of influential political figures in an effort to consolidate power within the organization.

Shifting Political Allegiances and Internal Power Struggles
Sources familiar with the matter allege that shortly after the fall of the Awami League government, a group of employees began destabilizing the newsroom environment. The alleged effort was reportedly led by an associate editor and a senior education correspondent.

Colleagues claim that the associate editor frequently introduced himself as a relative of a senior BNP leader and used that connection to exert influence within the organization. Critics point out that despite his current political positioning, he had also held a significant role within the same institution during the previous administration.

Particular attention has been drawn to the role of a senior reporter covering the education beat. According to colleagues, the journalist was previously known for his close relationship with former Education Minister Dipu Moni and reportedly accompanied her on six overseas visits. He was also widely perceived as being close to former Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain.

Employees allege that following the political transition, the reporter rapidly repositioned himself as a supporter of the BNP and began portraying himself as an advocate of the ideals associated with the July movement. Several newsroom staff members claim that he had previously made derogatory remarks about senior BNP leaders, only to later present himself as a committed BNP supporter after the political environment changed.

Allegations of False Identity and Political Influence
The alleged campaign reportedly expanded with the involvement of a senior news editor who, according to colleagues, frequently claimed connections to the Zia family. Employees allege that such claims were used to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the newsroom.

Staff members further claim that before August 5, few colleagues were aware of any political affiliation on his part. However, following the change in government, he allegedly emerged as an outspoken BNP supporter and participated in efforts to pressure senior executives to leave their positions.

Claims of Fabricated Complaints and Institutional Pressure
Sources allege that members of the group filed a series of false and fabricated complaints against several dedicated officials of Independent Television while invoking the names of influential figures within the interim administration.

According to employees, the objective was to place those officials under administrative and psychological pressure, including efforts to impose travel restrictions and force resignations. Staff members claim that vacant positions would have allowed the group to strengthen its influence within the organization.

Employees Speak of Ingratitude
Long-serving employees have expressed frustration over what they describe as a betrayal of the institution. According to several staff members, during the previous Awami League administration, various state agencies allegedly pressured Independent Television to dismiss the current associate editor and the Chief News Editor (CNE). Employees say the management resisted those pressures and continued to support the officials despite external challenges.

Some staff members now argue that the same individuals have become involved in actions that threaten the stability of the organization, describing the situation as a striking example of institutional ingratitude.

Resistance Prevents Takeover Attempt
Despite the alleged campaign and internal tensions, Independent Television’s management is said to have maintained a firm stance in defense of the organization’s professional standards and operational stability.

Sources indicate that internal reviews, combined with resistance from ordinary employees, have significantly weakened the position of those accused of orchestrating the campaign. Management has reportedly prioritized the livelihoods of nearly 500 employees while continuing efforts to strengthen the broadcaster’s operations.

Observers believe the failure of the alleged takeover attempt marks the resolution of another major challenge for Independent Television. However, many argue that the incident highlights the need for greater accountability within the media industry and stronger safeguards against political opportunism and factional influence in news organizations.

Independent Television continues its regular operations, and management officials say efforts are ongoing to further enhance the institution’s professionalism and effectiveness.