Dhaka
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Fresh allegations of financial transactions surrounding transfers and postings have emerged within the Bangladesh Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB). Several members of the force have alleged that payments ranging from Tk 30,000 to several lakh taka are being sought in exchange for transfers to preferred workplaces or for preventing transfers.
The allegations centre on Md. Jahirul Islam, Chief Commandant of the RNB's Eastern Region.
According to several members of the force, transfers within the RNB are no longer viewed solely as administrative decisions and have, in some cases, allegedly become matters involving financial transactions and personal arrangements. They claimed that members seeking transfers to preferred stations or wishing to cancel a transfer are required to contact certain intermediaries.
Many members are reportedly reluctant to speak openly about the matter due to fears of departmental punishment or harassment.
Jahirul Islam joined the RNB Eastern Region as Chief Commandant from the Western Region on December 8, 2025. Since then, a significant number of transfers and postings have reportedly taken place within the force.
Allegations have been raised that financial transactions were involved in several of these transfers.
Information regarding multiple rounds of transfers of RNB personnel became public in January 2026. Three members were transferred on January 5, another three on January 18, four on January 21 and four constables on January 26.
According to the allegations, the exchange of specific amounts of money in connection with transfers has gradually become an unofficial practice.
Several individual transfers have also raised questions among members of the RNB.
According to sources within the force, Constable Suman Das Gupta was transferred to Patiya Railway Station less than a year after joining the RNB Intelligence Branch, having served there for only around six months.
Similarly, Mir Hossain was transferred from Laksam to Chattogram Railway Station on April 26, 2025. A little over a year later, on June 14, 2026, he was transferred back to Laksam. Sources alleged that financial transactions were also involved in this transfer.
In another case, Ananda Barua, who joined Pahartali Railway Station on August 7, 2025, was transferred to Patiya Railway Station on June 9 this year, before completing one year at his assigned workplace.
Members of the force have questioned why such repeated transfers are taking place before personnel complete their minimum tenure at designated workplaces.
Allegations have also emerged that money collected in exchange for promises of transfers, promotions, rank badges or employment opportunities was later returned to several individuals.
According to sources, individuals identified as Momin, Belal Al Amin, Wadud, Tuhin and Prashanna allegedly received money back.
Sources also mentioned the name of Imam Hossain, an administrative officer at the Chief Commandant's office, in connection with the alleged return of the money. They claimed that he assisted in settling the matter.
It has also been alleged that, when Jahirul Islam was transferred from the Western Region to the Eastern Region, money was sought from several inspectors in exchange for promises of transfers, promotions and other administrative benefits.
Sources further alleged that Inspector Monir Hossain Rahat was posted to the Eastern Region from the Western Region despite there reportedly being no vacant inspector position in the Eastern Region.
They claimed that there were rumours within the force that the posting was secured in exchange for a large sum of money. However, the allegation could not be independently verified.
Allegations of involvement in transfer-related financial dealings against Jahirul Islam are not new, according to sources.
In August 2024, when he was transferred from the Eastern Region to the Western Region, dissatisfaction reportedly grew among some RNB members. At the time, several members allegedly approached the media demanding the return of money they claimed to have previously paid as bribes or other unofficial payments.
One of the most significant documented cases involving allegations against Jahirul Islam relates to an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) case concerning alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 185 RNB constables.
Following an investigation into alleged irregularities in the 2017 recruitment process, the ACC filed a case on August 28, 2022, against five people, including Jahirul Islam.
He was named as an accused in his capacity as a member of the recruitment committee.
The allegations in the case included claims that qualified candidates were excluded while allegedly unqualified candidates were shown as successful during the recruitment process.
In addition to the recruitment case, the ACC also reportedly examined the assets of Jahirul Islam and his wife, Kazi Jinnatun Nahar.
According to information cited in the inquiry, assets worth approximately Tk 42.5 million were identified in the names of Jahirul Islam and his wife. The inquiry reportedly mentioned ownership interests in a property in Senpara Mouza in Mirpur, flats in Shahidbagh and Uttara in Dhaka, and a vehicle.
Information about multiple properties in Cumilla and Dhaka in his wife's name also reportedly emerged during the inquiry.
Another allegation is that Jahirul Islam's brother, Aminul Islam Sujon, used political influence to prevent his transfer.
According to the allegations, Sujon served as organisational secretary of the Brahmanpara Upazila Awami League, general secretary of the Krishak League and also held positions as Upazila vice-chairman and chairman.
It has been alleged that through his political connections, Sujon developed close ties with the then railway minister Mujibul Haque, which was allegedly used to influence matters relating to Jahirul Islam's transfer.
These allegations, however, require independent verification.
Jahirul Islam began his government career in 1990 after being appointed as a stenographer-cum-typist through the Bangladesh Public Service Commission.
He was promoted to a second-class position in 2000.
On September 10, 2002, he joined as an Assistant Commandant through the 21st BCS non-cadre recruitment process. He was promoted to Commandant in 2006 and became Chief Commandant in 2020.
The allegations regarding transfer-related financial transactions and other irregularities have not been independently proven. An impartial investigation based on official records, transfer orders, financial documents and statements from the individuals concerned would be necessary to establish the facts.
