Two Decades in the Same Office: Questions Over Zulfikar Ali’s Wealth

Allegations of undue influence, file delays and unexplained assets

Headline: Two Decades in the Same Office: Questions Over Zulfikar Ali’s Wealth

Corruption in PDB: Episode 1

Allegations of undue influence, file delays and unexplained assets

Transfers and postings are a routine part of government administration. But Syed Zulfikar Ali appears to be an exception to that norm. Allegations have surfaced that he has remained in the same office and performed similar responsibilities for more than two decades. During this period, several governments have come and gone and the administration has undergone numerous reshuffles—but Zulfikar Ali’s workplace has reportedly remained unchanged.

The official in question, Syed Zulfikar Ali, is reportedly serving as Additional Director (Foreign Finance & Bank) at the Finance Directorate of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).

Syed Zulfikar Ali joined the BPDB as an assistant director on June 20, 2000. He was promoted to deputy director on October 21, 2012, and was given the acting charge of additional director on April 27, 2023. He was subsequently promoted to the post on a full-time basis on March 20, 2024.

His unusually long tenure in the same department has raised questions among officials familiar with the institution. Some have alleged that the prolonged stay has enabled him to develop an influential network within the department.

There are also allegations of delaying official files, demanding money, exerting undue influence and accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Although the attention of senior authorities was reportedly drawn to these allegations several times, no visible action has been taken. As a result, Zulfikar Ali has allegedly become increasingly influential, leading to growing resentment within the concerned department.

Several officials said the concerns had been brought to the attention of senior authorities on more than one occasion, but no visible action followed.

Experts said that allegations warrant scrutiny of official records, including asset declarations, income tax returns, bank statements, property documents and administrative files.

Alleged Money Demands for Holding Files

One of the most serious allegations against Zulfikar Ali is that he allegedly holds official files and demands money on various pretexts.

Several officials and employees, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that files are delayed when money is not provided according to his demands. However, verifying these allegations would require examining the relevant files, documents, transaction records and obtaining specific statements from those allegedly affected.

One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We know many things. But speaking publicly could create problems for our jobs. That is why we are speaking on condition of anonymity.”

Another employee alleged that there has also been discussion within the department about money allegedly being collected from various individuals and organisations. The source further claimed that donations were allegedly collected in the name of a foundation associated with Zulfikar Ali’s wife. These claims, however, require independent verification.

Influence Within the Workplace

Some officials familiar with the matter claim that Zulfikar Ali has developed a strong network of influence within the department because of his prolonged tenure in the same workplace. There are also allegations that the progress of various activities depends significantly on his approval or decisions.

According to them, his long-term presence in the same position has provided him with opportunities to influence different activities within the department.

They further allege that, because Zulfikar Ali’s ancestral home is in Faridpur, he previously used political influence centred around Gopalganj to strengthen his position within the administration.

Several officials and employees, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that those who get into disputes with him fear facing various forms of administrative complications. Attempts were made to contact the concerned department for comments on these allegations, but no response was received.

Career Began in the Private Sector

During the ongoing investigation, this reporter had an opportunity to speak with Zulfikar Ali. Regarding his career, Zulfikar said that he had worked for several private organisations at the beginning of his professional life. He mentioned experience working for Jamuna Group and several NGO organisations.

He said that he had to live a difficult life on a modest salary during that period. Later, he began trying for a government job in various departments and eventually secured employment in the power sector.

Wealth Sources Under Scrutiny

The Finance Today’s preliminary investigation found a five-storey building reportedly linked to Zulfikar Ali. Local sources estimate that its current market value could be worth several crore taka. However, verifying the actual ownership of the property, its construction cost and the source of the funds would require examination of deeds, tax documents, bank records and relevant government documents. An FT team is currently working on the matter.

When asked about the building, Zulfikar Ali reportedly initially identified himself as its caretaker, according to the reporter. Later, during the conversation, information was obtained that he acknowledged the property as his own.

However, the mere existence of a house does not by itself establish the acquisition of illicit wealth. The key questions are: What was the source of the funds used to construct the building? Is the property registered in his name or someone else’s? And is the property consistent with his declared income and assets?

The investigation has also uncovered allegations that he owns additional assets, either in his own name or through others. At the same time, allegations have emerged that he did not have any major visible business enterprise before or after joining government service. Therefore, concerned parties have called for scrutiny to determine whether there is any discrepancy between his declared income, asset statements and actual assets.

Given the allegations that he has accumulated substantial wealth while remaining in government service for a long period, concerned parties have called for an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), National Board of Revenue (NBR) and relevant authorities.

According to them, a review of Zulfikar Ali’s income and expenditure records, asset declarations, tax documents, bank accounts, land and building deeds, as well as assets held in the names of family members, could reveal the actual picture.

Power Sector Transparency Under Scrutiny

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB) is one of the country’s key government institutions in the power sector. The state invests substantial amounts of public money in power generation, infrastructure development and related activities. Therefore, allegations of corruption, irregularities or abuse of power in the sector are not merely an institutional matter; they can have broader implications for public finances, industry, business and the everyday lives of ordinary citizens.

Various allegations of irregularities in the power sector have been reported in the media at different times. Unless such allegations are properly investigated and accountability is ensured, there is a risk of wastage of public funds and damage to the public interest.

Zulfikar Ali’s Statement

During a conversation with this reporter, Syed Zulfikar Ali responded to various questions regarding his career and assets. However, when asked in detail about the allegations against him, he allegedly behaved discourteously with the reporter and expressed his displeasure. At one point, he also allegedly attempted to intimidate the reporter, according to the reporter.

Various questions have emerged surrounding the alleged controversial activities of Syed Zulfikar Ali. However, allegations and evidence are not the same thing. Therefore, an impartial investigation by the relevant authorities is necessary to determine the actual source of his assets, whether his income and expenditure are consistent, and whether his official activities have been conducted transparently.

Now the question is: To what extent are his visible assets consistent with his government salary and declared income?

To be continued…