State minister Mir Shahe Alam is facing growing scrutiny over allegations involving a rapid increase in immovable assets, family-linked government contracts and the use of public resources in his Bogura constituency.
An investigative report by Jamuna Television said Alam’s immovable assets increased eightfold within about three months of taking office. His election affidavit had listed 31.13 decimals of land in his name and 26 decimals belonging to his wife, with no land declared for his children. The report said records later showed a purchase of 242 decimals of land in the Mokamtala area for about 6 crore taka.
Alam disputed that the transaction represented a personal acquisition.
“It’s not exactly in my name, it’s for our business institution. My business is very large… buying and selling land will always continue for my institution. Because it’s a limited company, I am no longer in it to avoid conflict of interest; my son manages it,” Alam said.
The controversy comes amid separate questions over government spending and family interests. Project records reviewed by journalists show a company reportedly linked to Alam’s son secured about 13.5 crore taka in contracts in Shibganj, while the constituency received roughly 74 crore taka in road and bridge allocations. Representatives close to Alam have denied wrongdoing and said contracts followed legal procedures.
Alam has also faced criticism after newly created unions received names resembling those of his two sons and his ancestral home. Residents and journalists questioned the public consultation process, although Alam said the similarities were coincidental and the names were recommended through local administrative procedures.
Jamuna Television’s report also raised questions about a 1.9 crore taka allocation for a helipad in Shibganj.
Alam has characterized the criticism surrounding his development efforts as politically motivated.
“No matter how many conspiracies arise, whatever development is needed to fulfill Bogura’s deficit, whatever lobbying or speaking is required, wherever I need to go, however many times I need to tell the Honorable Prime Minister, I, along with the 7 MPs of Bogura, will always continue to tell her, Insha’Allah,” he said.