Allegations of massive recruitment fraud and nepotism rock Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Trust in Bangladesh

Authorities have launched an investigation into allegations of widespread recruitment fraud and nepotism at the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Trust, a state-affiliated institution that provides care for approximately 400 orphaned girls. The inquiry follows reports that Abdul Hakim, a former student activist, secured a deputy supervisor position through direct intervention from the former Social Welfare Minister, bypassing mandatory employment procedures.

The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Trust, established in 1984 following a visit by the former President of the United Arab Emirates, operates under the Ministry of Social Welfare. It manages two children’s homes in Dhaka’s Mirpur area and Lalmonirhat, alongside a primary and a secondary school. Headquartered in Banani, the trust is legally bound by the 2006 Employees’ Service Regulations, which mandate open recruitment notifications and the formation of professional selection boards for all hirings.

Official records and testimony from former executive director K.B.M. Omar Faruq Chowdhury indicate that Hakim was appointed on June 7, 2020, without a job advertisement, competitive examination, or selection board. The official appointment letter explicitly stated that the hiring was made under the direction of the then-Social Welfare Minister, Nuruzzaman Ahmed. Ahmed, a former Awami League lawmaker, is currently in custody following the 2024 political uprising.

Faruq Chowdhury, who served as executive director at the time, admitted to the irregular hiring, stating he was pressured by Minister Ahmed to bypass institutional regulations. Furthermore, an audit of recent hirings suggests that Hakim leveraged his position to secure employment for six of his relatives within the trust. These include his wife, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and two cousins, all of whom were appointed to various teaching and custodial roles in May of this year.

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In response to a formal complaint filed by job seeker Rasel Haque, Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Muh. Rashedul Haque formed a three-member investigation committee on July 22, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Md. Rakibul Hasan. Although the committee was instructed to submit its findings within 15 working days, the report remains outstanding as of late August.

Current Trust Executive Director and Joint Secretary Samsun Nahar acknowledged that the recruitment process in question appeared to violate established protocols. Meanwhile, the office of the Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner stated that the investigation has faced delays but is expected to conclude by the first week of September. Officials have pledged to recommend disciplinary action if the allegations of corruption and procedural misconduct are verified.

Abdul Hakim could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts to contact him via telephone and messaging services. His relatives, including his brother Abdul Motaleb, confirmed their family members’ recent employment within the trust but provided no further justification for the irregular hiring process.