Ritesh Barua, Executive Engineer of the Dhaka Zone in the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), now appears to wield unchecked authority. As the nephew-in-law of former autocratic President Abdul Hamid’s Personal Secretary, he is accused of using political influence to turn the Dhaka Road Division into a hub of corruption. Allegations claim he is not only involved in tender manipulation and transfer trading but also hands over RHD’s multi-crore-taka properties to illegal occupiers in collaboration with a “maternal-uncle/nephew syndicate.”

🏛️ Misappropriation of Roads & Highways Assets: Ritesh’s Links With Encroachers

As Executive Engineer of Dhaka Road Division, Ritesh Barua faces serious allegations of maintaining direct ties with land grabbers, enabling the loss of RHD’s valuable assets. Many RHD-owned structures, dormitories, and lands in key areas of the capital are reportedly under illegal occupation by politically backed groups.

Babu Bazar Bridge Market:

The large area beneath Babu Bazar Bridge is RHD property. However, illegal structures have emerged there under the guise of a temporary market. A substantial amount of extortion money is allegedly collected from this area, a major portion of which reportedly goes to Ritesh Barua.

Mahakhali Dormitories and Property:

Several RHD dormitories and empty plots in Mahakhali are allegedly under the illegal possession of certain political activists, operating under Ritesh Barua’s protection. In exchange, they reportedly pay him monthly “rent.”

Extortion Across the Division:

Similar illegal revenue collection is reported across other regions under the Dhaka Road Division—fueling what many employees call Ritesh Barua’s ongoing “Ram Rajya.”

💰 Tender Manipulation, Commissions, and Bribery: A Fortune Built Illegally

Since his posting in the Dhaka Zone, Ritesh Barua has allegedly amassed large sums of money through bribery, tender manipulation, and commission trading.

Tender Control:

He is accused of interfering directly in road repair, maintenance, and construction tenders to favor certain contractors. In return, he reportedly takes a hefty percentage of the total tender value as commission.

Commission Trade:

Completion of bills, project approvals, and contractor payments allegedly require substantial bribes. Those who refuse to pay reportedly face harassment or obstruction.

Past Controversies:

While serving as Executive Engineer of the Kishoreganj Road Division under Additional Chief Engineer Syed Moeenul Hasan in the Mymensingh Zone, Ritesh Barua was accused of using bamboo instead of steel plates on a bridge—an incident that drew nationwide criticism. Despite the severity, no action was taken. After the fall of the Awami government, Moeenul allegedly ensured Ritesh’s posting to the influential Dhaka Road Division as a “reward.”

🏦 Suspicious Financial Transactions and Lavish Lifestyle

According to Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) sources, Ritesh Barua’s bank transactions appear suspicious and disproportionate to his known sources of income. He has reportedly acquired extensive real estate holdings across the country.

Properties in the Capital:

He reportedly owns luxury flats and vehicles in Shyamoli and Mohammadpur.

Luxurious Duplex in Uttara:

Information also suggests he has built an extravagant duplex house in Uttara.

Such rapid accumulation of wealth raises serious concerns about uncontrolled corruption by a mid-level government official.

👤 Expert Commentary: “Urgent Investigation Needed to Protect Public Assets”

Dr. Manzurul Haque, a road transport expert and former BUET professor, said:

“Such reckless corruption cannot be tolerated in a public agency, especially one tied to national safety and infrastructure. Allowing encroachment of RHD assets is equivalent to looting state property. Every allegation against Executive Engineer Ritesh Barua must be investigated quickly and impartially. Without action, this ‘Ram Rajya’ will continue, making it impossible to protect public funds and government assets.”

🛑 Conclusion

The unrestrained corruption and irregularities committed by former regime beneficiary Ritesh Barua are severely damaging the government’s reputation. The rehabilitation of officials aligned with the recently ousted “Kader Syndicate,” under the guise of reform, is further empowering anti-reform elements. If his influence continues in a critical zone like Dhaka Division, more RHD property will be lost to encroachers, and corruption in construction work will further degrade the nation’s infrastructure.