Corruption: DNCRP AD sent on forced retirement

The Commerce Ministry has sent Md Imran Hossain, an assistant director of the Directorate of National Consumers Right Protection (DNCRP), into forced retirement after allegations of corruption and misconduct against him were found to be true.

The ministry issued a circular, signed by its Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, in this regard on March 19. Imran, in charge of DNCRP’s Cox’s Bazar district office, conducted a drive at Nahar Filling Station at Ramu Bypass road in September 2022, with Consumer Association of Bangladesh representative Ridwan, according to the circular.

During the raid, it said, Imran demanded Tk 4 lakh in bribe after checking a measuring can at the station claiming it was not as per regulation. When the owner refused to pay, they closed down and sealed the business.

At that time, Ridwan said that the matter would be settled for Tk 1.2 lakh. Later, the owner came to meet them with the bribe and Imran accepted Tk 20,000 and gave a receipt. But then he asked to give the remaining amount to Ridwan. The owner did so but Ridwan did not give any receipt. When asked, Ridwan did not give any answer and instead, threatened the filling station owner, said the circular.

After receiving a complaint, Cox’s Bazar Press Club President Abu Taher grilled Imran in presence of Ridwan and the filling station’s owner Mohammad Abdullah. Imran admitted to taking the money and apologised. He also returned Tk 1 lakh. On September 15 last year, Imran was temporarily suspended by the Commerce Ministry on charges of misconduct and corruption.

A departmental case on these charges was filed against him that month as per the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules and also a show-cause notice was issued. During a hearing on October 20, Imran gave both verbal and written defence. A departmental investigation officer was appointed as his defence was not deemed appropriate.

The investigation officer submitted the probe report on December 4, 2022, which confirmed that the allegations of misconduct and corruption against Imran were proven under the law. After a comprehensive review, he was served a second show-cause notice as to why he should not be dismissed from service. His defence was also dismissed.

The Commerce Ministry later sought the opinion of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) before passing the final judgement on whether forced retirement from service or any other punishment would be justified against him.

On March 5 this year, BPSC agreed on forced retirement. Following suit, on March 19, the ministry issued the circular.