AKM Shahid Uddin, Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), continues to hold office despite allegations of amassing significant wealth through corruption during his tenure under former controversial Managing Director (MD) Taqsem A Khan.
Shahid Uddin, a close aide of Taqsem, was reportedly involved in WASA for over nine years in various capacities, including consultant, Director (Technical), and DMD. According to sources, he briefly served as acting MD following the cancellation of Taqsem's contract after the government change in August 2024, before a new MD was appointed.
Allegations against Shahid Uddin claim that he earned substantial sums of money while working under Taqsem, who is said to have embezzled around Tk 6,000 crore over 15 years. Investigations suggest that Shahid may have received several hundred crore taka during this period, with some reports alleging that part of this money was sent abroad, including to Canada, where his daughter is said to have purchased property.
Shahid, however, has denied wrongdoing, stating, "I am honest. I do not understand why this government has not removed me from this office. Perhaps no irregularities have been found in my conduct."
Shahid retired as chief engineer of WASA in 2016 and later joined the authority as a consultant. In April 2018, Taqsem appointed him as Director (Technical) on a two-year contract. The designation was later renamed due to the absence of such a post in WASA's official manpower structure.
Following the government's cancellation of Taqsem's contract, Shahid, as senior-most DMD, was instructed by the Local Government Division to act as MD temporarily.
An Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation found that the WASA governing board, including Taqsem A Khan, misused its authority in appointing Shahid. WASA sources also alleged that Shahid's brief appointment as MD bypassed the board and violated seniority protocols.
WASA's internal hierarchy had four DMDs: Shahid Uddin, Syed Golam Mohammad Yazdani, Md. Aktaruzzaman, and Mizanur Rahman. Mohammad Yazdani, the senior-most DMD, challenged Taqsem's dismissal in court. The High Court declared the dismissal illegal, but Yazdani could not resume duties due to the absence of a functioning WASA board.
In May 2022, Md. Aktaruzzaman was appointed DMD. Four months later, Shahid Uddin and Mizanur Rahman were also appointed DMDs, prompting dissatisfaction among officials and employees, particularly when Shahid briefly assumed the MD role.
Regarding allegations of misconduct, Dhaka WASA Managing Director Shahjahan Mia stated, "I am aware of complaints against him. His appointment was under the previous regime and lacks transparency. The ACC is investigating, and his contract may be terminated on September 1."
Sources indicate that under Taqsem's tenure, WASA undertook major foreign aid-funded projects aimed at reducing groundwater usage. While these projects increased WASA's debt to approximately Tk 25,000 crore, reports suggest mismanagement and potential misuse of funds.
Shahid Uddin has defended his record, noting his seniority and experience in engineering. He acknowledged Taqsem's wealth accumulation but denied any personal wrongdoing, stating that complaints against him have not been substantiated.
