Mahmud Hasan, the Acting Managing Director (MD) of the government-run Palli Daridro Bimochon Foundation (PDBF), is facing multiple allegations of violating government regulations, financial misconduct, and abuse of authority.
Though officially appointed as Acting MD nearly a year ago, Hasan has reportedly removed the word “Acting” from his official designation on all documents, business cards, and nameplates-contravening the 2023 government service rules that require temporary office holders to clearly indicate their acting status. Legal experts argue this is a clear violation warranting disciplinary action.
As a Grade-3 Joint Secretary, Hasan is not entitled to Secretary-level privileges. However, he has allegedly spent over BDT 1.7 crore on purchasing a luxury vehicle normally reserved for full Secretaries (Grade-1 officers). The vehicle flies the national flag, a symbol typically reserved for top-ranking officials. In addition, two more vehicles costing approximately BDT 1.3 crore were bought under suspicious circumstances, raising concerns about misuse of public funds amid PDBF’s ongoing financial difficulties.
Hasan is also accused of illegally recruiting more than 1,600 employees during his temporary tenure-a move experts say only a permanently appointed MD is authorized to undertake. Furthermore, he promoted Shahidur Rahman Khan, a Joint Director previously found guilty of corruption and illegal grade manipulation by an internal probe. This promotion happened despite a court injunction prohibiting it, and Hasan is alleged to have granted Khan financial benefits prior to the official promotion. The court later rescinded the promotion after the matter was publicized.
In addition to these allegations, Hasan reportedly pressured four female board members to resign prematurely. Though initially assured by ministry officials that their terms would continue, they were excluded from meetings without prior notice, receiving official termination letters only after a board meeting was held in their absence.
Further controversy surrounds a recent board meeting called on September 25 by an Acting Secretary (due to the absence of a permanent Secretary), during which organizational rules were allegedly amended to benefit favored officials. Critics argue this maneuver undermines proper governance and transparency.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and legal experts have condemned Hasan’s actions, warning that such impunity severely damages public trust and contravenes government commitments to transparency and accountability. Despite requests for comment, Hasan declined to respond, canceling a scheduled interview.
Observers are now calling for an immediate investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), disciplinary proceedings, a thorough audit of PDBF expenditures, and the reinstatement of removed board members to restore integrity to the foundation.
