Obaidul Quader’s favourite phrase was “Khela Hobe” (Let the game begin). He used it so often that he turned himself from a political leader into a comedic figure. However, investigations reveal that he had introduced the same “game” of syndicates and commissions within his ministry.
In fact, “Khela Hobe” was the code name for his syndicate. Every official in the ministry had the duty to process a “Khela Hobe” file swiftly. From construction to maintenance in the Roads and Bridges Division, evidence suggests Quader created a massive commission-based syndicate that looted thousands of crores of taka.
Quader formed this corruption syndicate with his wife Ishratunnesa Quader, brother Abdul Quader Mirza, former Feni MP Nizam Uddin Hazari, former Noakhali MP Ekramul Karim Chowdhury, and former secretary ABM Amin Ullah. The syndicate’s code name: “Khela Hobe.” Using his ministerial post as a tool of unchecked authority, Quader and his associates allegedly amassed massive illegal wealth between 2011 and August 2024 through irregularities and corruption in the road transport sector.
According to his own affidavit, Obaidul Quader’s wealth increased more than sixfold over 16 years. However, discrepancies suggest his actual assets could be significantly higher than declared. Notably, no mention is made of his illicit overseas assets in the affidavit.
A lawyer has submitted a petition to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking an inquiry into illegal wealth amassed by Quader and his associates. Taking the petition and other sources seriously, the ACC conducted a preliminary intelligence probe and found most allegations to be credible. As a result, a full investigation is underway.
An ACC official, on condition of anonymity, confirmed receiving multiple complaints against Obaidul Quader regarding corruption in road and bridge construction and vehicle procurement worth hundreds of crores of taka. The ACC’s intelligence division has already verified specific cases, prompting an open investigation.
Sources within the ACC reported that between 2011 and 2024, 90% of Roads and Highways Department (RHD) projects were awarded to just 12–15 contractors. These companies secured approximately Tk75,000 crore in contracts through commission deals. The selection process was predetermined, and tender calls were often mere formalities.
The main contractors included: Hasan Techno Builders, Rana Builders, NDE, Mojahar Enterprise, Md Moinuddin (Bashi) Ltd, Taher Brothers, Mohammad Aminul Haque Ltd, Masud Hi-Tech Engineers, Spectra Engineers, M/S Saleh Ahmed, MM Builders & Engineers, Reliable Builders, Toma Construction, Mahfuz Khan Ltd, and Abed Monsur Construction.
Key members of Quader’s syndicate included his wife Ishratunnesa Quader, brother Abdul Quader Mirza, ex-MP Nizam Hazari of Feni, and ex-MP Ekramul Karim of Noakhali.
The investigation found that although 137 buses were planned for procurement, the process was stalled for over a year under the pretext of procedural complexities. Sources claim this delay stemmed from Quader and former secretary ABM Amin Ullah Nuri’s preferred company not winning the bid.
According to BRT sources, the estimated cost for the buses was Tk205 crore. In the first tender, six companies participated, with the lowest bid at $1.77 million (Tk188 crore). The second tender drew only two companies, offering $1.91 million (Tk203 crore). In the third tender, the lowest bid jumped to $3 million (Tk360 crore). Despite the first tender involving six firms, it was dismissed citing “ineffective competition.” However, questions arose when only two firms joined the second tender. The rising costs in the third tender hinted at possible manipulation. Allegations claim repeated tenders were called because Quader’s syndicate’s preferred bidder wasn’t winning. Ultimately, the project was never executed.
On 14 October, lawyer Sultan Mahmud filed a petition with the ACC seeking a probe into the assets of Obaidul Quader, his wife, and brothers Abdul Quader Mirza and Shahadat Quader Mirza. The lawyer invoked Section 27 of the ACC Act, 2004, urging the commission to file a case.
The petition alleges that Obaidul Quader abused his power to acquire wealth beyond known sources of income and that his brothers did the same. The assets exist both in Bangladesh and abroad. The petitioner demanded that these illegal assets be confiscated in favour of the state.
Before the 2008 election, Quader’s declared profession was writing and journalism. Sixteen years later, he listed himself as a “private employee.” According to his 2024 affidavit, his wealth increased over sixfold (immovable) and over thirteenfold (movable) compared to 2008.
In 2008, his movable assets were Tk24.48 lakh, and his wife’s were Tk48.81 lakh. As of 2024, Quader’s movable assets reached Tk3.22 crore and his wife’s Tk1.28 crore. His annual income was shown as Tk38 lakh: Tk14.24 lakh from house rent, Tk6.97 lakh from shares and bank deposits, Tk12.60 lakh from MP/minister salary, and Tk4.25 lakh from books. His dependents’ income was stated as Tk12.23 lakh. He has nearly Tk75.63 lakh in his bank account, and his wife has Tk51.97 lakh.
His affidavit also states he has Tk80,000 in cash, and his wife has Tk70,000. In 2008, he had investments worth Tk15.50 lakh in savings certificates and fixed deposits; his wife had Tk42 lakh. By 2024, his investments rose to Tk1.49 crore, and his wife’s to Tk73 lakh. In 2008, he had no vehicle; now, he owns a car worth Tk77.50 lakh.
Among Quader’s immovable properties are a five-katha plot in Uttara, a 1,050 sq ft flat in his wife’s name, and 4.74 acres of agricultural land in joint (ancestral) ownership.
But investigations reveal Quader’s actual wealth is thousands of times more than his affidavit claims. Preliminary findings indicate he owns assets worth thousands of crores in Singapore and Bangkok. He reportedly owns three apartments on Singapore’s pricey Orchard Road, and his wife owns two in Kitchener area. Quader also allegedly runs a money exchange and travel agency in Singapore under proxy ownership. He has hotel shares in Bangkok. His brother owns a luxury apartment and petrol pump in New York. Nizam Hazari reportedly handled many of Quader’s foreign investments. Quader is currently in Kolkata, under Hazari’s care.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
