Protests at PGCB Headquarters demanding the removal of MD Gauce Mohiuddin continue, as staff express outrage over his corrupt practices.Staff Reporter

Despite being widely recognized as one of the most corrupt officials under the Awami League government, State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid Bipu’s ally, AKM Gauce Mohiuddin Ahmed, remains firmly in his position as Managing Director (MD) of the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB). As the President of the Bangabandhu Engineers Council, Mohiuddin is accused of orchestrating numerous illegal activities.

There are allegations that despite securing second place in the recruitment examination, Mohiuddin managed to bribe the State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources to secure the MD position at PGCB. Documents obtained by this reporter confirm that it was the minister’s special file note that led to Mohiuddin’s appointment as MD. Mohiuddin is accused of multiple corrupt practices, including paying massive sums to stay in his post. However, thanks to the protection he enjoys from Minister Bipu, no allegations against him have been properly addressed. Recently, several PGCB officials and employees have lodged written complaints with the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, but they claim no positive outcome has been achieved.

Meanwhile, Mohiuddin, the President of the Bangabandhu Engineers Council, has allegedly switched his political allegiance overnight and is now supporting the opposition BNP. He is accused of threatening those who have raised accusations against him. This has caused widespread anger and tension at PGCB. PGCB officials and staff have organized protests in front of the company’s headquarters, demanding the removal of Mohiuddin from his MD post. Following the protests, a memorandum was also submitted to the Advisor to the Power Ministry and the Secretary. Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Power, Rafiqul Islam, informed journalists that there are more allegations against Mohiuddin and that necessary actions will be taken soon. However, despite the accusations, questions remain about who Mohiuddin has managed to influence to stay in his position.

In a recruitment test held by PGCB’s governing board, Abdur Rashid Khan ranked first, securing the highest score. Although the board initially decided to offer Khan a contract-based appointment as MD, based on merit, the minister intervened and forced the board to appoint Gauce Mohiuddin based on political favoritism, which was illegal and violated the company’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

According to reports, file note number 50 recommended Abdur Rashid Khan for the position of MD on a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance evaluations and board recommendations. However, on May 28, 2023, file note number 52, written in green ink by the State Minister, stated, “AKM Gauce Mohiuddin Ahmed may be appointed to the position” (Circular No. 387).

In exchange for appointing Mohiuddin, the minister allegedly received substantial financial compensation and gifts. Mohiuddin, after securing his post, pushed for the removal of a power transmission line from a housing project owned by Minister Bipu in Keraniganj. Despite technical objections from PGCB’s engineering team, Mohiuddin used his influence to obtain Planning Commission approval for a project worth over 1,300 crore BDT to relocate the transmission line underground. Critics are calling for this wasteful project to be scrapped immediately.

Over the past eight years, Mohiuddin has also been accused of wasting 10,000 crore BDT by replacing conventional conductors on all power lines with aluminum conductor composite core (ACCC) cables, which are nearly twice as expensive. This project was implemented without proper technical research, based solely on board discussions. Mohiuddin allegedly pocketed around 3,000 crore BDT through this corrupt scheme.

Under Mohiuddin’s directive, service rules have been blatantly violated, as fake experience certificates were created for members of the ruling party’s student wing, allowing them to be recruited as officers. These individuals have received rapid promotions based on political favoritism. Those who protested against Mohiuddin’s corruption were unlawfully fired or harassed, with hundreds of employees facing persecution.

PGCB officials and employees are questioning how such a corrupt looter like Mohiuddin remains in his position as MD. Where does his support come from? Anger is growing within PGCB over Mohiuddin’s political favoritism and looting. Employees fear further unrest and potential violence within the company. The protesting employees are demanding that PGCB be immediately restructured, free of Mohiuddin and his corrupt practices. Attempts to contact Gauce Mohiuddin for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated phone calls.