Shafiur Rahman Shafi, a peon at the Satkhira Sadar Land Office, has been accused of taking bribes, facilitating land mutations using forged deeds, and influencing officials and employees to carry out irregular activities. According to information gathered during an inquiry and statements from relevant individuals, an alleged syndicate has been operating to make difficult land-related procedures easier in exchange for money. Dhulihar’s Kalam and Debhata’s deed writer Karim are also alleged to be associated with the syndicate.

According to the findings, Shafi allegedly facilitated the approval of mutations against two forged deeds in February and March in exchange for a total of Tk 200,000 in bribes. It is alleged that part of the money was given to a concerned official, while the remainder was taken by Shafi and his associates. However, these allegations require independent investigation and legal verification.

Allegation of Controlling a Land Official

Sources familiar with the matter allege that Shafi attempted to exert influence over Sharmistha Sarkar, a Union Land Assistant Officer (Naib), after obtaining access to her personal and confidential information. It has also been alleged that Shafi used the official’s name to collect money from service seekers in connection with various irregularities.

A recently circulated video reportedly shows Shafi counting money while sitting underneath the staircase of the Sadar Land Office. However, the authenticity and context of the video need to be independently verified. Shafi has denied the allegations against him.

Allegations of Mutations Using Forged Deeds

An inquiry at the Satkhira Sub-Registry Office into allegations involving mutations based on forged deeds reportedly found discrepancies between the information contained in the relevant deeds and the official records in the Balam register. It has also been alleged that pages corresponding to some of the relevant deed numbers were found missing from the register.

If verified, such discrepancies could indicate serious irregularities. The relevant government records and documents should therefore be examined by the appropriate authorities to establish the facts.

Salary of Tk 16,000, Assets Worth Several Crores Alleged

One of the most serious allegations concerns Shafi’s reportedly substantial assets. According to sources involved in the inquiry, the visible movable and immovable assets of the government peon, whose monthly salary is reportedly around Tk 16,000–17,000, are estimated at Tk 5–6 crore.

He is reportedly the owner of a two-storey house with three air-conditioning units in Parkukrali area of Satkhira town. He is also alleged to own several acres of agricultural land in Ward No. 5 of Satkhira Municipality, as well as a plot reportedly worth crores of taka in the area of his in-laws’ residence in Khulna.

It has further been reported that Shafi spends around Tk 50,000 per month on rent and other expenses for his son, who studies at a reputed educational institution in Dhaka. He also reportedly paid Tk 700,000 as denmohor (dower) when recently divorcing his second wife.

Frustration Among Service Seekers

Local service seekers have alleged that applications for mutation and other land-related services are delayed or rejected if applicants refuse to pay the demanded amounts. There are also allegations that some applications are removed or cancelled from the online system.

Two alleged victims, Amin Rahman and Abul Hossain, claimed that Shafi collected thousands of taka per file by invoking the name of Naib Sharmistha Sarkar.

However, the allegations should be assessed only after verifying the statements of all concerned parties and examining the relevant government records.

Shafi Denies the Allegations

Shafiur Rahman Shafi has denied the allegations against him. He claims that his assets were acquired through legitimate sources of income. He also alleged that Sharmistha Sarkar herself received most of the money involved in the work. Shafi further claimed to have influence at various levels of the administration.

To establish the truth of the allegations, authorities would need to examine the sources of Shafi’s assets, bank accounts, income-tax records, ownership documents for land and properties, mutation records, and the relevant deeds. The alleged roles of the officials and intermediaries named in the allegations should also be investigated.

Local residents and concerned service seekers have called for an impartial investigation into the allegations. They have demanded legal action against anyone found responsible for wrongdoing based on evidence and due process.