Govt cancels Dhaka Wasa MD Taqsem A Khan's contract

The Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry has cancelled the contract of Taqsem A Khan, the long-serving managing director of Dhaka Wasa.

"The government hereby cancels the remainder of the contract of Taqsem A Khan as Dhaka Wasa MD that was signed for a period of three years on 14 October 2023. This order will be effective from today.

"Dhaka Wasa will start the process to appoint a new MD within the shortest time and until then the senior deputy managing director will perform duties of the MD," said the notification.

Taqsem A Khan, however, claimed that he resigned from his position, effective immediately, yesterday.

"He sent his resignation letter to the ministry on Wednesday citing physical illness," Dhaka Wasa MD staff officer and Executive Engineer Badrul Alam told TBS.

The development comes after he had served as Dhaka Wasa's managing director since 2009, with his term being extended multiple times, including the most recent extension granted just last August for another three years.

However, since the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August, Taqsem has been notably absent from his office.

Efforts to reach Wasa Chairman Professor Sujit Kumar Bala for comments were unsuccessful, as he repeatedly declined calls.

Taqsem's tenure has been marked by controversy, with widespread criticism of Wasa's services under his leadership.

Where is Dhaka Wasa MD Taqsem?

Despite the backlash, Taqsem, who along with his family holds US citizenship, maintained his position until this unexpected resignation.

It is yet unclear if Taqsem remains in the country or has travelled abroad following his resignation.