Gopalganj Regional Passport Office has come under scrutiny following allegations that a group of officials and employees is running a syndicate that harasses service seekers and demands bribes for passport-related services.
Several service recipients have submitted written and verbal complaints to the Gopalganj deputy commissioner, alleging harassment, rude behaviour, irregularities and payment demands at the office.
Based on the complaints, an investigation found allegations of irregularities and mismanagement involving three officials and employees — Assistant Director Nahid Newaz, High Grade Assistant Amit Kumar Pal and Assistant Accounts Assistant Bappu Mitra.
According to the allegations, Pal, who is considered the office's second-in-command, operates from Room 206 on the second floor, while Mitra works in Room 101 on the ground floor, where passport applications are submitted.
The complainants alleged that a network of security personnel and more than 50 brokers operating inside and outside the office assist the alleged syndicate in collecting money from service seekers.
Karuna Rani Biswas, who filed a complaint with the deputy commissioner, alleged that she faced repeated harassment while trying to obtain a passport for her daughter, Shimla Rani Biswas, who has an intellectual disability.
She claimed that she was unable to submit the application through the regular process and eventually had to pay a bribe. She also alleged that officials behaved rudely and threatened her during the process.
According to the complaints, applicants are often asked to correct alleged errors in their documents at the application submission counter. Service seekers who face difficulties are then approached by brokers and security personnel, who allegedly offer to complete the passport process in exchange for payments ranging from Tk 1,500 to Tk 20,000, depending on the nature of the issue.
A broker, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that most of the money collected from applicants is handed over to officials, while brokers receive only Tk 500 to Tk 1,000 per passport.
The allegations were denied by Assistant Director Nahid Newaz, High Grade Assistant Amit Kumar Pal and Assistant Accounts Assistant Bappu Mitra.
Newaz said minor irregularities or financial transactions might occur without his knowledge but denied that any major irregularities were taking place at the office.
Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md Arif-Uz-Zaman said an investigation had been ordered after receiving complaints of irregularities and mismanagement at the passport office.
“If the allegations are found to be true, recommendations will be made to the appropriate authorities for necessary action,” he said.
Meanwhile, passport applicants and concerned citizens have called for immediate intervention by the government to reduce harassment and ensure proper public services at the office.
