Is a land office a public service center, or a department plagued by allegations of officials and employees exerting influence and seeking unethical benefits? The allegations surfacing around Md. Alamgir, Nazir-cum-Cashier at the Ukhiya Land Office in Cox's Bazar, bring this exact question to the fore.
Since joining on April 28 of this year, he has faced allegations of irregularities, corruption, demanding bribes, and carrying himself as the sole 'master' of the office. Questions have also been raised regarding the role of relevant authorities in verifying the truth behind these allegations and ensuring accountability. Prior to this, he was employed at the Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila Land Office, where he was locally known as a money vendor ("Vendor Alamgir").
Allegations indicate that there is deep dissatisfaction among service seekers over the influence and role played by Nazir-cum-Cashier Md. Alamgir in land office operations. If the complaints of harassment in land-related matters, demanding unethical financial benefits, and exerting influence are true, it is not merely a matter of administrative irregularity; rather, it is a severe blow to the transparency, neutrality, and accountability of public services. Land ownership and land services are directly linked to citizens' property and legal rights. Consequently, there is no scope to take allegations of an employee's personal influence, intimidation, or unethical financial transactions lightly.
Questions are arising: Where are the limits of a Nazir's duties and power, and how far does his alleged influence extend? Is he working in accordance with assigned duties and regulations, or is he getting the opportunity to establish his own authority over the land office service process? In light of complaints from service seekers, it is essential to investigate the matter of alleged "nazrana" (graft) or bribe demands. Under such serious allegations, it is also necessary to bring under investigation who is involved and how opportunities for such irregularities are being created.
In land offices, laws, regulations, and relevant documents are primary when making decisions regarding land ownership, mutation, or record updates. There is no scope for these decisions to be influenced by an individual's will, power, or financial transactions. Yet, when allegations of irregularities, corruption, and bribe demands surface, questions naturally arise—are service seekers receiving services according to their legal rights, or are they facing harassment and demands for unethical payments? The matter needs to be investigated impartially.
Advocate Jasim Azad stated that allegations of demanding extra money when seeking services at the land office are not new. According to him, many service seekers do not want to lodge public or written complaints out of fear that their work will be stalled. Instead, they are forced to pay extra money to get their work done.
It is imperative to take departmental and legal action against the accused officials and employees. At the same time, taking these allegations into account, an impartial investigation into land office records, service procedures, and related transactions is necessary. Merely denying allegations or avoiding responsibility cannot resolve the questions raised in the public mind; what is required is evidence-based investigation and visible accountability.
Now the question remains: Are the responsible officials at the Ukhiya Land Office aware of these allegations? What steps have they taken regarding these complaints? Have the allegations of service-seeker harassment or bribe demands been investigated? Has any inquiry been initiated to verify the truth of the allegations, and if so, what is its progress? Clear statements are required from the relevant authorities on these matters.
Positions in government departments exist for discharging duties, not for establishing personal authority or exerting influence. Therefore, an impartial investigation into the allegations against Nazir Alamgir Hossain, a review of the land office service process, and urgent intervention by higher authorities are the demands of the hour.
Repeated attempts were made to contact Nazir-cum-Cashier Md. Alamgir on his mobile phone, but his statement could not be obtained as he did not answer the calls.
The public asks—will the Ukhiya Land Office run on the basis of law and regulations, or will a lack of accountability persist amid allegations of irregularities? Do the relevant authorities have any scope to evade the responsibility of verifying the truth of the allegations and taking action against those responsible?
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Cox's Bazar Special Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
