Fazlur Rahman appointed acting Dhaka WASA MD

He is replacing the controversial MD, Taqsem A Khan, who held the position for 15 years

The Local Government Division has appointed Fazlur Rahman, an additional secretary at the water supply wing, as acting managing director of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, or WASA.

The decision was announced in a notification issued on Wednesday.

Fazlur will manage WASA’s daily operations and oversee ongoing development projects.

Significant administrative changes are being implemented after Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled to India on Aug 5 and an interim government took over.

On Aug 14, upon being unable to enter WASA’s office due to protests by staff, Taqsem A Khan, who had served as managing director for 15 years, resigned.

On Aug 15, the Local Government Division scrapped Taqsem’s remaining three-year contract. His term had been extended in October 2022.

In the interim, the most senior deputy MD, AKM Shahid Uddin, was given the responsibility of managing director.

However, on Sept 8, the High Court suspended his appointment.

The high court issued its ruling on Sept 5, after hearing a petition challenging Shahid’s appointment.

The Appellate Division suspended the High Court's decision on Wednesday, allowing Shahid to continue in his role. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Nov 4.

The Local Government Division issued Fazlur's appointment on the same day as the Appellate Division’s ruling.