Allegations of bribery, irregularities, corruption, abuse of power, acquisition of illicit wealth and administrative misconduct continue to surround Samsuddin Ahmed, a motor vehicle inspector at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Madaripur Circle. Despite having faced departmental investigations and disciplinary action over various allegations in the past, Samsuddin is now facing fresh allegations of taking bribes, harassing service seekers and collecting money in violation of regulations. However, his comments on the latest allegations could not be obtained.
On April 19 this year, Md Saiful Islam, son of Md Nurul Islam of Masterbari in Ali Bazar village of Madaripur Sadar upazila, submitted a written complaint to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam.
In the complaint, Saiful alleged that Samsuddin had long been involved in taking bribes, corruption, collecting money in violation of regulations and harassing service seekers in exchange for financial benefits, particularly in connection with the issuance of vehicle fitness certificates.
The complaint also alleged that Samsuddin owns substantial assets in his own name and through others that are allegedly disproportionate to his legitimate income. The assets reportedly include land, houses, flats and luxury vehicles. However, the complainant did not attach any specific documents or evidence in support of these claims.
As part of an initiative to investigate the complaint, the Investigation and Discipline Branch of the Road Transport and Highways Division sent a letter to BRTA Chairman Habibur Rahman on July 23. The letter was signed by Senior Assistant Secretary S. M. Shantunu Chowdhury and bears memorandum number 35.00.0000.000.028.27.0017.23.157.
According to BRTA sources, while Samsuddin was serving at the Dhaka Metro-4 Circle, a report titled “1,200 Fitness Certificates in Six Hours” was published in a national daily on November 5, 2023. Following allegations raised in the report, BRTA formed a two-member investigation committee. At the same time, Md Monirul Alam, then Deputy Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, submitted a separate investigation report.
Sources said both investigation reports found instances of negligence in Samsuddin’s performance of his duties and failure to comply with lawful orders of the authorities. Subsequently, he was transferred to the Madaripur Circle on November 8, 2023, and departmental case No. 25/2023 was filed against him.
Later, on November 11, 2024, then BRTA Chairman Abu Momtaz Sad Uddin Ahmed formed another three-member investigation committee. The committee’s report reportedly identified several irregularities, including issuing fitness certificates without physically inspecting vehicles, failing to take photographs of the inspector with the vehicles during inspection, and failing to provide adequate evidence that the vehicles concerned were actually present for inspection.
Following these developments, then BRTA Chairman issued a notification on December 4, 2025, finding Samsuddin guilty under Section 32(a)(a) of the Government Service Act, 2018, and Rule 3(b) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018. Under Rule 4(2)(b) of the same rules, he was punished with suspension of his annual salary increment for two years. The disciplinary penalty came into effect on July 1 this year.
Meanwhile, on April 18, 2025, various voluntary organisations and people from different professions in Madaripur held a human chain alleging bribery and corruption among officials and employees of the Madaripur BRTA Circle. The protesters demanded action to stop harassment of service seekers and irregularities at the BRTA office.
The truthfulness of the allegations against Samsuddin Ahmed can only be established through an investigation by the competent authorities. His response to the allegations, along with the findings and evidence emerging from any official investigation, will be essential to provide a complete picture of the matter.