C T Online Desk: Engr. Mokarrom Billah from Feni : Allegations of widespread irregularities, bribery, corruption, and commission-based dealings have been raised against Md. Shahidul Islam, the Upozila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Dagonbhuiyan, Feni. Locals claim that no file moves across his desk without a bribe; consequently, ordinary citizens specifically those seeking services are subjected to various forms of harassment and suffering.
According to relevant sources, the government in a democratic state is defined by the principle of being “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Embracing this ethos, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has already instructed government officials to ensure that when the citizens who are the true owners of the state, visit government offices, the services they receive allow them to genuinely perceive this reality.
Although the UNO of Dagonbhuiyan is the chief executive officer of the upazila, he remains preoccupied with bribery, corruption, and commission-based dealings while discharging his duties. Consequently, he fails to arrive at the office on time, as he is busy at his residence managing the division of spoils.
Allegations exist that UNO Shahidul Islam engages in a commission-based racket—collecting a 12% cut from various sources ranging from the sale of excavated canal soil to government development projects like TR and Kabikha reportedly through his own associates.
Ismail Hossain, an expatriate worker in Kuwait and an aggrieved party, complained to the reporter, stating that there was a large quantity of soil dredged from the canal in front of the Upazila complex—soil he had requested for filling a plot of land he had purchased within the municipal area. Later, upon making inquiries, I learned that the excavated soil was being sold by the UNO—through a specific cashier (office assistant)—at rates of one, two, or three thousand taka per vehicle load. Hearing this, I also wanted to purchase some through an acquaintance. The person I contacted made inquiries and found out that the sales were being conducted very discreetly. So, the question is: have the proceeds from the sale of the soil been deposited into the government treasury? It doesn’t seem so. The reason is, as far as I know, the money is deposited into the government treasury only when the material is auctioned off; it is the proceeds from an auction that are deposited there.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an individual stated that for all projects ranging from government development schemes to TR and Kabikha 12% cut must be paid to UNO Shahidul. The question now arises: is he a UNO, or a commission agent?
A victim named Rahima Begum said, “A member of our family lodged a formal complaint with the Upazila official (UNO), but there was no news regarding it. So, I made inquiries and found out the status.”
Nothing would get done unless the money was paid to the UNO’s cashier. I paid the money, yet there was no word. Upon inquiring again, I learned that they weren’t satisfied—which was the reason for the delay. Eventually, however, after I had followed up repeatedly, they held the hearing.
According to numerous journalists in Daganbhuiyan, complaints had been lodged against teachers from various educational institutions in the upazila. He informed the press that he had taken cognizance of these allegations and that an investigation was underway; however, the matter never saw the light of day. Later, word spread that he had been ‘managed’ through a monetary payoff.
According to a victim named Saiful Islam, he had never in his life heard of someone as corrupt as UNO Shahidul. He would advise people involved in the TR and Kabikha projects, telling them, “Do it this way… you will make a profit. I’ll issue the cheques—no problem. Don’t worry.”
Abul Hashem Bahadur Chairman, Vice-President of the Upazila BNP, said, “Many UNOs have come and gone in Dagonbhuiyan Upazila, but we have never encountered anyone as incompetent, useless, and corrupt as this man. We receive complaints from someone or other every single day; we are utterly fed up, annoyed, and embarrassed by constantly hearing them. What can we do? We are in politics for the sake of the people, so we have to listen to all their joys and sorrows.”
When the reporter attempted to contact UNO Md. Shahidul Islam to seek his comments regarding the allegation, the call could not be connected.
Meanwhile, questions have arisen among locals regarding whether the overall activities of the UNO are being properly supervised. Many believe that if the allegations are verified and appropriate measures are taken, public confidence in the civil administration will be further strengthened.
Concerned local citizens have demanded a high-level administrative investigation and appropriate action regarding the allegations.
They believe the matter should be investigated impartially and the true facts revealed to the public, ensuring that public service activities are not disrupted by bribery, corruption, or commission-based dealings.
