Despite the fall of the fascist regime following the mass uprising on August 5, allegations have surfaced that the shadow of the autocratic culture persists within the administrative structure of state-owned enterprises. A significant uproar has erupted across the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions of the Northern Electric Supply PLC (NESCO) over the recent promotion of controversial officials and employees. It is alleged that leaders of the defunct Sheikh Hasina government’s labour wing, Shromik League, notorious for corruption and administrative muscle-flexing, have been “rewarded” through these promotions.

Controversial Promotion and Official Order On October 7, an office order signed by NESCO’s Deputy General Manager (Administration & Human Resource Development), Md. Rahmat Ullah-Al Faruque, announced the promotion of seven technical core employees. Among them, a Foreman-A and two Foreman-B were upgraded from Grade 11 to Grade 10, and Grade 10 to Grade 9, respectively. The order states that the promoted officers submitted their joining letters on September 23, 2025, and the promotion was implemented based on the decision of the 214th board meeting.

However, the most significant controversy revolves around the promotion of Sirajul Islam, Vice-President of the NESCO Bidyut Shromik League.
Sirajul Islam: A Hill of Allegations and a Reward During the fascist regime, Sirajul Islam was known among NESCO staff for notorious corruption, extortion, and administrative dominance. Activists of the NESCO Nationalist Labour Party have expressed outrage over the promotion of such a controversial figure.
“Shromik League leaders participated in the attacks on students and the public during the July mass uprising, led by Sirajul Islam himself,” stated the activists. “Yet, not only is he safe, but he has also received a promotion after the fall of the fascist government—is this justice?”

Recommendation Despite Specific Charges: Executive Engineer’s Silence
Despite specific complaints against Sirajul Islam, Shahadat Hossain, the Executive Engineer of NESCO’s Sales and Distribution Division-3, recommended him for the promotion. The recommendation has drawn heavy criticism within NESCO.
When approached for comment on the serious matter, Executive Engineer Shahadat Hossain completely avoided the issue, stating, “I have no comments on this matter.” His silence has only amplified the mystery and doubt regarding the legitimacy of the promotion.
Twenty-Two Years in One Division, Violating Regulations
A further grave accusation against Sirajul Islam is that the position he was promoted to does not exist within his current division (Sales and Distribution Division-3). It is alleged that, by leveraging party influence, he has violated NESCO’s service rules by remaining in the same department for an astounding 22 years. According to service regulations, an official or employee should not remain in the same workplace for more than three years.
Symbol of Opportunistic Politics
Sirajul Islam’s past actions are also under scrutiny. His highly-publicised photograph standing behind BNP central leader Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan at Rajshahi Bhuvan Mohan Park on July 12, 2025, was widely criticized on social media as a “symbol of opportunistic politics.” Following media coverage, Sirajul Islam was reportedly absent from the office for some time and later faced the wrath of the Metropolitan Chhatra Dal.
Executive Director Defends Promotions, Promises Transfers
Addressing the controversy, NESCO’s Executive Director (Administration & Human Resource Development), Abu Hayat Muhammad Rahmatullah, clarified the institution’s stance.
He asserted that merit was the priority, stating, “Only those who qualified in the viva board examination have been promoted.”
Regarding the promotion of controversial figures, he cited regulations: “According to the promotion rules, there is no impediment to promotion unless an official is an accused in a departmental or criminal case and has been charge-sheeted.”
Concerning the violation of the three-year transfer rule, the Executive Director added, “The officials who have been promoted will be transferred in phases.”

Threat to Neutrality and Public Demand Insiders at NESCO suggest that the promotion list was unilateral, with political loyalty overshadowing merit, experience, or competence.
Analysts warn that if the “sycophants” of the fallen fascist regime continue to be rewarded within the administrative structure, it poses a significant threat to democracy and administrative neutrality. Rewarding political allegiance in a critical institution like NESCO will not only damage the organisation’s reputation but also foster injustice and discontent in the workplace.
Civil society demands a transparent investigation into these controversial promotions. They argue that NESCO is a state-owned enterprise funded by public money, and “rewarding the fascist regime’s associates is tantamount to defrauding the state.