Several officials of Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), who were appointed during the previous Awami League government under a project funded by the Asian Development Bank and JICA, are now being considered for promotion. The proposal was raised at a board meeting in Dhaka on Sunday, with a final decision expected at a meeting in Khulna on Monday. These officials had earlier been permanently absorbed into the revenue sector after the project ended, despite allegations of corruption and irregularities.

According to Khulna WASA sources, the officials in question were involved in the Khulna Water Supply Project implemented between 2011 and 2019. Allegations include large-scale financial corruption, meter theft, and manipulation of billing records, resulting in significant revenue losses. The planned promotions have sparked anger among employees and consumers, who question why those accused of wrongdoing are being rewarded instead of investigated.

Khulna WASA’s Deputy Managing Director for Finance and Administration stated that a six-member committee will review the files of those recommended for promotion and decide whether they will be approved.