Serious allegations of bribery, irregularities, corruption, and the acquisition of assets allegedly disproportionate to known sources of income have been raised against Afzal Hossain, a surveyor at Land Acquisition (LA) Branch-2 of the Dhaka District Commissioner’s Office.According to the allegations, landowners seeking compensation for acquired property are allegedly asked to pay between 5% and 15% of the compensation amount to facilitate the release of their payments. Complainants claim that despite growing concerns over the alleged practices, no effective action has been taken, allowing the situation to continue.
Several sources and alleged victims claim that an influential syndicate has been operating around Afzal Hossain. The syndicate allegedly exerts influence over the processing of files related to land acquisition. Some landowners have alleged that their files are delayed or kept pending unless the demanded commission is paid.
Returned to the Same Office After Transfer
According to several sources familiar with the matter, Afzal Hossain was transferred from the Dhaka LA Branch following allegations of irregularities. However, sources claim that he returned to the Dhaka District Commissioner’s Office approximately four months after the transfer.
His return to the same office has raised questions among some officials and stakeholders, although the circumstances surrounding the transfer and subsequent posting could not be independently verified.
Several people familiar with the LA Branch allege that Afzal has continued to exercise influence after returning. They further claim that a particular group has been influencing the processing and release of compensation payments related to land acquisition.
Questions Over Assets and Lifestyle
Questions have also been raised about Afzal Hossain’s assets and lifestyle. Complainants claim that despite being employed as a government surveyor, he and members of his family allegedly own flats, plots and business interests in different parts of Dhaka.
There are also allegations that several businesses in the Mitford area of Old Dhaka are operated in his name or through people close to him. Complainants have further claimed that substantial sums of money are held in bank accounts belonging to Afzal and members of his family.
However, the ownership, source and legal status of these alleged assets and financial holdings could not be independently verified. Whether his assets are disproportionate to his legitimate income is a matter that would require examination by the relevant authorities.
Allegations Regarding a ACC Case
It has also been alleged that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case against Afzal in connection with alleged corruption and embezzlement involving a major land acquisition project, with the alleged amount running into hundreds of crores of taka.
However, the nature, current status and specific details of the alleged case could not be independently verified from relevant official records for this report.
Complainants have further alleged that following the filing of the case, Afzal attempted to use influence and lobbying to protect himself and prevent further action. These claims also could not be independently verified.
Landowners Allegedly Facing Harassment
Landowners affected by government development projects have alleged that they often face prolonged delays in receiving compensation for their acquired properties.
According to several complainants, files are sometimes kept pending, forcing landowners to make repeated visits to the office. They allege that the processing of their files moves forward only after they agree to pay the allegedly demanded commission or bribe.
One alleged victim said that receiving compensation for acquired land is a legal entitlement, yet landowners are allegedly subjected to repeated harassment and delays. The individual declined to disclose their identity, citing security concerns.
Calls for an Investigation
Concerned citizens and stakeholders have called for an impartial investigation into the allegations against Afzal Hossain.
They have urged the authorities to examine his and his family members’ assets, bank accounts, business interests and financial transactions related to land acquisition. They also called for appropriate legal action if any of the allegations are established through a proper investigation.
They further emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in the process of disbursing compensation to landowners whose properties are acquired for government development projects.
Afzal’s Response
Attempts were made several times to contact Surveyor Afzal Hossain by telephone to obtain his response to the allegations of bribery, corruption, irregularities, unexplained assets and abuse of influence. However, he did not answer the calls.
As a result, his response could not be obtained for this report. His comments will be included if and when they become available.