The Price of a NameBIWTA Executive Engineer Abdul Matin falls victim to a conspiracy

Sometimes, having the same name as someone else can bring severe consequences. A mere similarity in names has pushed a completely innocent man into turmoil and defamation.

This is the fate of BIWTA Executive Engineer (Civil) Md. Abdul Matin, who has fallen prey to a conspiratorial group due to the identical name he shares with former Chief Engineer (Dredging) Md. Abdul Matin of BIWTA.

Because of this name confusion, the current Executive Engineer Abdul Matin is being wrongfully accused and harassed. The question remains — who will take responsibility for this false allegation?

According to sources, a syndicated group has spread fabricated news and even filed written complaints against the Executive Engineer to the Adviser of the Ministry of Shipping, allegedly seeking financial gain through intimidation and extortion. They have threatened to file cases with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Abdul Matin has strongly condemned and protested these baseless accusations and sought the immediate intervention of the ministry to ensure justice.

Engineer Abdul Matin stated that the group is taking advantage of the confusion with the former Chief Engineer’s name. They are trying to pin on him the allegations of embezzlement and irregularities in the Tk 4,515 crore project involving 35 dredgers and vessels — a project with which he had no connection whatsoever. When Matin asked the group for evidence, they failed to provide any. Unable to substantiate their claims, they have resorted to filing false complaints and issuing threats over the phone.

He has demanded a proper investigation and exemplary punishment for those behind this malicious campaign.

Matin further alleged that pro-Awami League loyalists within the BIWTA are trying to harass him during his final phase of service by using fake journalists to extort money. These individuals allegedly threaten to publish defamatory news unless paid. Their actions, Matin said, violate journalistic ethics and damage the reputation of genuine media professionals.

He emphasized, “I have no land or property in Tangail, nor do I or my wife possess any undeclared assets to the Income Tax Department of Bangladesh. A vested quarter is trying to socially and administratively harm me and my family with false accusations.”

Meanwhile, the corruption allegations against the former Chief Engineer (Dredging) Md. Abdul Matin are under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The probe involves a Tk 4,515 crore project under the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), including 35 dredgers, 161 vessels, and several infrastructure developments.

The ACC’s Assistant Director Rakibul Hayat is leading the investigation. Official letters have been sent to BIWTA requesting all relevant project documents — tender papers, contracts, payment records, and more.

An ACC official confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that a report will be submitted upon review of all collected evidence.

In response, the former Chief Engineer Abdul Matin denied any wrongdoing, claiming that all procurement processes were transparent and that the project was proceeding as per government procedures.

However, the Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (IMED) report suggests significant irregularities — including delayed work, increased costs, and weak oversight. Some contract prices reportedly exceeded the estimated amounts, and the progress remains below 50% even after seven years.

The IMED report further revealed that a university student was assigned to monitor project quality on behalf of BUET, which raises serious questions about the project’s credibility and monitoring standards.

Due to inflation, dollar fluctuations, and global economic challenges, the project’s cost has increased substantially. The report warns that unless management capacity improves, the project may face further delays and cost overruns.

Despite these findings, innocent officers like Executive Engineer (Civil) Abdul Matin are being unjustly harassed because of the name confusion with the accused former Chief Engineer.

Matin concluded by saying he would pursue legal action against those spreading false and defamatory claims, demanding justice and protection from continued harassment.