BADC Project Director Appointed in Alleged Violation of Rules

Tender Manipulation and Favouritism Allegations Against Project Director Ibrahim Khalil

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka

Allegations of irregularities, violations of government guidelines and tender manipulation have surfaced over the appointment of Dr. Md. Ibrahim Khalil as Project Director of a major Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) project under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Several officials and contractors have alleged that Khalil was appointed in violation of mandatory government regulations and has subsequently exercised undue influence over procurement procedures, allegedly favouring selected contractors in the awarding of contracts.

The allegations concern the BADC project titled “Modernisation and Development of Seed Production, Processing and Distribution Systems (Phase II),” scheduled for implementation from March 2025 to February 2028.

According to the allegations, Khalil’s appointment did not comply with the mandatory guidelines issued by the Ministry of Planning on February 9, 2016, under memorandum No. 20.804.022.00.00.006.2010/4.

Section 3.2(e) of the guidelines reportedly requires a Project Director to have at least six months of service remaining beyond the scheduled completion date of the project. However, sources within BADC claim that Khalil’s remaining tenure falls short of this requirement.

Furthermore, Section 3.2(b) stipulates requirements relating to project implementation experience and procurement training. Officials familiar with the appointment process alleged that Khalil did not fully meet these qualifications.

Several BADC officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that more qualified candidates were overlooked and that Khalil secured the position through the influence of a senior official. They also alleged that substantial financial transactions may have influenced the appointment process, although these claims could not be independently verified.

According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Agriculture on August 17, 2025, Dr. Md. Ibrahim Khalil was appointed Project Director of the project.

Earlier, on July 15, 2025, the BADC Chairman had forwarded the names of three officials for consideration for the position. Following the submission, allegations of irregularities and arbitrary decision-making reportedly appeared in several newspapers.

Allegations of Tender Manipulation

Multiple sources within BADC alleged that Khalil has established an influential network capable of influencing procurement decisions and contract awards.

Several contractors claimed that contracts were awarded to favoured bidders rather than through a fair and competitive selection process. They further alleged that such practices involved financial irregularities amounting to crores of taka.

According to the complainants, formal complaints had been submitted to various government authorities regarding alleged manipulation of tender procedures. However, they claimed that no effective action had been taken.

Some officials also alleged that the project’s intended benefits have been undermined by irregular procurement practices, while individuals associated with the alleged network have financially benefited.

These allegations remain unproven, and the claims concerning financial misconduct require examination of procurement records, tender evaluations and relevant official documents.

Questions Over Political Influence

Sources further alleged that Khalil maintained close connections with influential figures associated with the former Awami League government, including former political leader Bahauddin Nasim.

According to the allegations, these political connections enabled him to retain important positions at BADC headquarters in Dhaka for a considerable period.

Some officials claimed that Khalil has since repositioned himself politically following the change in government and is attempting to establish closer relationships with individuals associated with the BNP.

The officials alleged that political influence and administrative connections have contributed to his continued authority within the organisation.

During the previous administration, Khalil reportedly promoted the slogan, “Mujib Borshe BADC, Krishi Sebay Dibanishi,” reflecting the corporation’s agricultural service campaign during Mujib Year.

However, no documentary evidence establishing wrongdoing through political connections was provided with these allegations.

Demand for Investigation

The controversy surrounding Khalil’s appointment has raised questions among BADC officials about compliance with government recruitment guidelines, transparency in project management and accountability in public procurement.

Concerned officials and contractors have called for an impartial investigation into the appointment process, the Project Director’s eligibility and the awarding of contracts under the project.

They believe that a review of the relevant service records, procurement documents and tender evaluation procedures would help establish whether government regulations were followed.

Project Director Unavailable for Comment

Attempts were made to contact Project Director Dr. Md. Ibrahim Khalil on his mobile phone for his response to the allegations. However, he did not answer the calls.

Consequently, his comments could not be obtained before the preparation of this report.

The allegations have not been independently established, and Khalil’s response remains necessary for a complete assessment of the issues raised.