Engineer Rashid of Kushtia public works office beautiful 'Rajmahal' - Questions on wealth

 As soon as you enter the Kamalapur area of Kushtia city through the Alfamor intersection, a tall, beautiful multi-storey building catches your eye from afar. 

The building, built with a combination of modern architecture, aesthetic design, elegant gray exterior and red ornamental brick design, catches anyone's attention at first sight. The open brick design in the front of the building, the use of wrought iron railings, unusual round windows, wide balconies and decorative pillars have given the building a unique beauty. Just as the architectural style of the building is noticeable in daylight, it becomes even more attractive in night lighting. The high parapet around the roof, the presence of plants on the roof and the well-thought-out design create an aristocratic atmosphere from a distance. 

Many locals jokingly call the building "Rajmahal". According to locals, the building's construction style has a clear impression of modernity. The aesthetic brick decoration on the facade, the same design of the balcony on each floor, high-quality grill, attractive pillars and external finishing easily distinguish the building from other buildings in the vicinity. Many also comment that it is one of the most beautiful structures among the multi-storey buildings built in the area. 

However, as much as this magnificent construction style of the building has garnered praise, discussions have started about its construction cost and the source of the owner's wealth. It is learned that the owner of the building is Deputy Assistant Engineer of the Kushtia Public Works (PWD) Department Md. Abdur Rashid. This official, who has been working in the government service for a long time, has served in various districts including Kushtia and Chuadanga.

About two to three years ago, he bought land in the Kamalapur area and built this multi-storey building there. Locals claim that the building may have cost several crores of taka to build. They also believe that the current market value of the land on which the building is built may be more than crores of taka. Seeing the external beauty of the building, many believe that high-quality and expensive construction materials have been used in the construction. Locals further claim that valuable tiles, modern fittings and aesthetic interiors have been used inside the building. It is also common knowledge in the area that Md. Abdur Rashid lives in a duplex on two floors of the building and the remaining floors are rented out. Some local residents, who did not want to be named, said that the house is very beautiful to look at.

There are not many buildings of such a design in the area. But the concerned authorities should investigate whether such a large investment is compatible with the income of a government official. Locals further allege that Md. Abdur Rashid has served in several government development projects, including the Kushtia Medical College project, at different times. They believe that it is necessary to verify through an investigation whether any irregularities or illegal benefits were acquired during the performance of duties in these projects. When asked about the complaint, Md. Abdur Rashid said, "Why should I give you my personal information? I have my income tax return and other documents.

If necessary, you can talk to my superiors. I pay taxes regularly and have been in government service for a long time. I am not obliged to tell you how I built the house." Kushtia Public Works Department Executive Engineer Md. Mohsin's mobile phone was called to talk about this, but he did not receive it. In this regard, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director Mainul Islam Rawshni said, if a complaint or intelligence information is received against any government official or employee, the ACC verifies it according to the law. If the investigation finds the truth of the complaint, legal action is taken against the person concerned. If necessary, illegal assets are seized, bank accounts are blocked and other legal steps are taken as per the court's instructions. According to the locals, the architectural style and beauty of the building undoubtedly deserve praise. However, at the same time, questions have also been raised about the apparent source of wealth of a government official.

They claim that if the concerned authorities investigate the allegations impartially and present the real facts to the public, on the one hand, it will put an end to the various rumors created in the public mind, and on the other hand, if the truth of the allegations is proven, the rule of law will also be ensured.