The officials and staffers brought allegations of irregularities and mismanagement against Acting DG M Nizamuddin and said they have become helpless and hostage to such acts.

Initially, the ministry concerned had only sat on a directive from a parliamentary committee to probe the allegations.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Industries received allegations of corrupt practices and irregularities several months ago, prompting the committee Chairman Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Mahmudul Hasan MP to forward a letter to the industries minister on May 29, asking him to take necessary action against Nizamuddin.

But the ministry neither took any action against him nor formed any committee to inquire into the allegations.

The committee chairman again raised the issue at the recent meeting of the committee on August 17. He also formed a sub-committee to look into the allegations and asked it to submit a report in a month, sources said.

"In the previous standing committee meeting held in June, I asked the industries minister what action was taken against the acting DG," Mahmudul Hasan told The Daily Star, adding that the minister then replied: "We are taking action."

The allegations against Nizamuddin include irregularities in recruitment and promotions. Besides, he has created a post of staff officer, attached to the DG, in gross violation of the existing BIM organogram, sources said.

When contacted, Acting DG Nizamuddin dismissed the allegations as 'absolutely false'. "I don't know anything about these. Had the allegations been true, the ministry would have informed me," he added.

On the other hand, the BIM officials alleged that the ministry is favouring him for reasons unknown to them.

"We are feeling very much insecure, fearing uncertainty of our future career here, as the acting DG appoints and promotes his relatives and those loyal to him even defying seniority status and tempering the annual confidential report (ACR)," said a BIM official seeking anonymity.