Abdul Malek, former mayor and senior Awami League leader in Nangalkot, Cumilla, held power for 16 years and used his political influence to create an atmosphere of fear and corruption. Once a laborer, he rose to power under the support of former Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal. After winning a controversial election in 2016 with no real voter participation, he turned the municipality into his personal business empire.

💰 Fake Projects & Embezzlement:

• Millions embezzled by showing fake or incomplete infrastructure projects like:
  • Roads and drainage systems (very little work done, most money stolen)
  • Street and solar lights (no lights installed, funds pocketed)
  • Public toilets and waiting sheds (poor or no construction, money looted)
  • Entire municipal revenue shown as spent, but most was misappropriated

👨‍👩‍👧 Nepotism & Fake Hiring:

• Malek awarded all major contracts to his relatives and close associates.
• People were hired for fake roles (e.g., a jeep driver, though the municipality had no jeep).
• Salaried posts given to family members and used for personal benefit.

🗣️ Local Accusations:

• Former councilors and contractors said they witnessed the corruption but were too afraid to speak up earlier.
• Malek often boasted that the Awami League would stay in power for 100 years and he would remain mayor for life — threatening anyone who questioned his actions.

📉 Impact on the Public:

• Basic services failed due to poor or fake construction.
• Markets flooded even with light rain due to faulty or nonexistent drainage.
• Public funds meant for development went into private pockets.

Under Abdul Malek, Nangalkot Municipality became a hotspot of corruption. Fake projects, embezzlement, and nepotism dominated his rule. Locals are now demanding justice, but no formal investigation or accountability has taken place yet.