One of the leading humanitarian and impartial service organizations in the country, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), now stands caught in the grips of massive irregularities, political favouritism and misuse of power.

For the last 16 years, with the Awami League in power, the institution has turned into a hub of political favour exchange and nepotism.

Appointments, promotions and appointment confirmations are more and more made in derogation of the norms.  At the center of this controversy stands Deputy Secretary General Sultan Ahmed, whose own appointment allegedly violated fundamental recruitment rules.

An internal investigation by the Red Crescent revealed that the 2022 recruitment circular for the position of Deputy Secretary General set the age requirement between 50 and 62 years. However, Sultan Ahmed was only 49 years and 7 months old at the time—falling short of the minimum age criterion. Additionally, while the application deadline was August 7, Sultan submitted his application on August 23, well past the cut-off date. Despite these clear breaches of procedure, he was appointed to the post—an act seen as politically motivated and heavily influenced by powerful quarters.

This irregular appointment occurred under the patronage of then-chairman Major General (Retd.) ATM Abdul Wahab. Sultan Ahmed was not alone; nearly 40 others were also recruited during Wahab’s tenure through similar breaches of rules. Many of these appointees were reportedly affiliated with the ruling Awami League. The investigation report stated that the entire recruitment process lacked basic formalities such as manpower assessment, budget approval, competitive exams, or final board endorsements. Instead, appointments and confirmations were made through informal notes, personal letters, or verbal orders.

The controversy deepened further with the 2022 recruitment for a Red Crescent project named GRIP. A five-member probe committee found that the written exam questions had been leaked in exchange for bribes, with amounts reaching up to BDT 500,000 (approx. USD 4,500). The report, submitted on August 14, 2023, implicated Sultan Ahmed in orchestrating the scam. His personal assistant Elias, personnel department officer Moin, and a dismissed employee named Ahmed were identified as key players. They allegedly acted with the support of then-board members Shahin and Tuku, both known for their ties to the Awami League.

These irregularities have severely demoralized qualified and experienced officials within the organization. Many capable employees have been denied promotions and job confirmations, while politically connected but under qualified individuals have been placed in crucial roles. Under Sultan Ahmed's leadership, a syndicate has formed that marginalizes long-serving and competent staff members.

In protest, internal unrest is growing within the Red Crescent. Employees have collected signatures demanding Sultan Ahmed’s removal and submitted a memorandum to the authorities. The probe committee has also recommended that his appointment be nullified and that he be compelled to resign immediately.

When contacted by journalists, Sultan Ahmed refused to comment over the phone. “If you want to discuss these matters, you’ll have to come to the office,” he said. Later, after verifying the journalist’s identity, he added, “If there is any report, you may visit after the office reopens.”

This entire episode has severely tarnished the image of the Red Crescent, which was built on principles of neutrality, merit, and humanitarian service. Instead of professionalism, political influence and blatant misconduct appear to have taken hold. It raises critical questions: Who will be held accountable for these irregularities? Will those who politicized this vital institution ever face consequences?

More importantly, can the Red Crescent recover from this deepening crisis? Or is this emblem of humanitarianism destined to sink further into dysfunction and uncertainty?