Allegations have emerged of a multi-billion-taka transfer and posting trade involving sub-registrars in Bangladesh’s registration sector. The allegations have been leveled against Michael Mohiuddin Abdullah, secretary-general of the Bangladesh Registration Service Association (BRSA) and sub-registrar at Khilgaon. According to the allegations, Michael has allegedly used his position in the professional association to build an influential syndicate. The group is accused of collecting money in exchange for transfers, postings and other professional benefits.
There are also allegations that Michael had close ties with former Law Minister Anisul Huq and acted as an influential intermediary for him. However, these allegations could not be independently verified, and the persons concerned were not available for comment.
Several sub-registrars have alleged that despite the political change in the country, Michael’s influence has remained largely intact. They further claim that he has attempted to maintain his influence by adopting a different political identity and continues to exert influence over transfers and postings.
Allegations of Transfer Trade
According to sources familiar with the matter, Michael Mohiuddin has served in several important sub-registrar offices for a long period. He was appointed as a sub-registrar from the 29th BCS non-cadre recruitment process in 2008, during the Awami League government. Allegations have since emerged that he gradually established significant influence within the sector.
He previously served at important sub-registrar offices, including Savar and Tongi, where allegations of irregularities and bribery were also raised against him. His influence over transfers and postings allegedly increased after he became secretary-general of the BRSA.
There are allegations that a large number of sub-registrars were transferred during the interim government period and that some of those transfers may have involved financial transactions. Those familiar with the sector have called for an investigation into the matter.
Questions have also been raised over the postings of several members of the BRSA committee, including Jahangir Alam, Golam Mostofa, Abdul Baten and Mamun Babar Miroz. According to the allegations, some of these officials were transferred to important or preferred positions shortly after joining the committee.
However, there is no independent evidence establishing that money was exchanged in connection with these transfers.
Allegations of Massive Wealth
Allegations have also surfaced that Michael Mohiuddin and his wife, Jannat Nila, possess substantial assets in their own names as well as through relatives.
According to a complaint submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Michael allegedly owns at least 29 apartments in Aftabnagar, Dhaka. The complaint also mentions properties allegedly linked to him and his family members in Gulshan, Bashundhara, Niketan, Banasree, Moghbazar, Panthapath and Purbachal.
The complaint reportedly lists several apartments, commercial spaces and properties under construction in Gulshan-1. It also alleges that his wife, Jannat Nila, owns plots and apartments in different parts of the capital.
In addition, allegations have been made that Michael owns around 100 bighas of agricultural land, fish farms and a brick kiln in Bancharampur of Brahmanbaria. He is also alleged to have several plots in the Jalsiri housing project in Rupganj and in Purbachal.
However, the actual ownership, purchase prices, current market values and sources of funds for these properties cannot be confirmed without an official investigation.
Complaint Filed with ACC
A written complaint has reportedly been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission against Michael Mohiuddin over alleged transfer trading and acquisition of unexplained wealth.
According to sources, Supreme Court lawyer Rafsan Al Alvi submitted the complaint to the ACC on April 13, calling for an investigation into allegations of a transfer trade worth hundreds of crores of taka and the acquisition of illegal assets.
Sources familiar with the ACC said the complaint has undergone preliminary review and that the process of taking necessary action has begun. However, the allegations have not yet been established through a final investigation.
Allegation of Threatening a Journalist
Michael Mohiuddin has also been accused of allegedly threatening a journalist over a report concerning allegations of corruption against a sub-registrar in Nawabganj.
The journalist reportedly informed officials at the Ministry of Law about the alleged threat. However, Michael’s response to the allegation could not be obtained.
Those raising the allegations have called for an impartial investigation to ensure transparency in the transfer and posting process within the registration sector. They also believe it is necessary to determine whether any official or association leader has improperly influenced transfers and postings for personal benefit.
Ministry’s Position
Sources said the authorities have taken initiatives to examine allegations of irregularities in the transfer and posting of district registrars and sub-registrars in the registration sector.
Officials have indicated that if investigations establish wrongdoing, appropriate legal action will be taken against those responsible. The authorities are also considering measures to make the transfer and posting process more transparent and free from undue influence.
Michael Mohiuddin’s response to the allegations could not be obtained. His wife Jannat Nila and the other individuals named in the allegations have also not commented.
The allegations against Michael Mohiuddin and others remain allegations at this stage. Their validity can ultimately be determined only through an impartial investigation and relevant documentary evidence.