Chattogram BRTA Engineer Touhidul Hossain Faces Allegations
Chattogram Federation Demands Investigation
Chattogram: Bangladesh CNG Auto-Rickshaw Light Vehicle Transport Workers Federation Chittagong Metropolitan Branch General Secretary Md. Zahir Uddin has brought a series of allegations of irregularities, corruption and excessive fee collection against BRTA Chattogram Deputy Director (Engineering) Touhidul Hossain.
The allegations were raised at a press conference held on Monday at Kazir Dewri in Chattogram. The federation demanded that the BRTA official be transferred from Chattogram during an investigation into the allegations.
According to the federation, vehicle owners are allegedly being charged more than the Tk 900 deposit mentioned in the 2009 government gazette. The organization also claimed that vehicle owners are being fined for no-parking violations despite what it described as inadequate parking facilities in Chattogram city.
The federation further alleged that while the fine for similar cases in Dhaka is Tk 1,000, the Chattogram Traffic Division is collecting Tk 3,000. It also claimed that a second case within three months can result in a Tk 6,000 fine.
The workers’ organization also alleged that workers face demands for illegal payments when obtaining driving licences and harassment during licence renewal.
For the convenience of service recipients in Chattogram district and the metropolitan area, BRTA has established Metro Circle-1 at Chauchala, Halishahar. Touhidul Hossain, Deputy Director (Engineering), is responsible for the office.
However, despite raising several allegations, the complainants reportedly did not present specific documents, names of individuals, transaction receipts, vehicle details or direct evidence to substantiate the allegations of bribery related to obtaining and renewing driving licences.
The lack of specific evidence raised questions among journalists and others attending the press conference regarding the basis of some of the allegations. There were also questions about whether the complainants might have any underlying motive. The federation, however, maintained that an impartial investigation should be conducted to establish the facts.
According to stakeholders, if the allegations are proven through an investigation, appropriate action should be taken against those responsible. Conversely, if the allegations are found to be baseless, accountability should also be considered if an official’s reputation has been unfairly harmed.
The federation has called for BRTA records, online records, approval files and relevant CCTV footage to be examined as part of an investigation.
The allegations against Touhidul Hossain have not been established through an independent investigation. Any final assessment should therefore be based on verified documents, records and other credible evidence.
