Allegations of bribery, corruption, harassment of taxpayers and land grabbing have been raised against Md. Saiful Islam, a Senior High-Grade Assistant at Circle-99 under Dhaka Tax Zone-5. According to the complainants, he has accumulated substantial wealth through alleged bribery during his career. The allegations refer to immovable assets worth approximately Tk 130.7 million (Tk 13.07 crore) in his name, the names of family members and alleged benami ownership. In addition, the complainants allege that fixed deposit receipts (FDRs), savings certificates and cash worth around Tk 50 million (Tk 5 crore) are held in the names of his wife and close relatives at various banks. However, the actual sources of these assets need to be established through independent verification and an investigation by the relevant authorities.
According to the allegations, Saiful Islam, approximately 45, is the son of Md. Chobhan and a resident of Palshia West Para in Gopalpur upazila of Tangail district. The complainants claim that his wealth has increased significantly over approximately 12 years of service. He has also been accused of using the names of tax commissioners and deputy tax commissioners as a pretext to collect money from taxpayers under various excuses. Statements from the affected taxpayers, the relevant department and the accused official would be necessary to establish the full circumstances surrounding these allegations.
Land, House and Cattle Farm
The complaint details various properties, including land, a house and a cattle farm allegedly owned by Saiful Islam, his family members or through purported benami arrangements.
According to the complainants, a cattle farm operates on approximately 11 decimals of land beside his family home. They estimate the value of the land at around Tk 15 million (Tk 1.5 crore). The farm reportedly employs four workers, with monthly staff expenses of approximately Tk 100,000.
The complaint also refers to a house allegedly worth around Tk 20 million (Tk 2 crore). Verification of the property's ownership, construction costs and source of funding could help establish whether the investment is consistent with the official's declared income and assets.
The complaint further states that he allegedly owns approximately one bigha of land in Bhararia, estimated to be worth Tk 5 million (Tk 50 lakh), and around two bighas in Maizbari, also reportedly valued at Tk 5 million. Additional properties allegedly include 20 decimals of land near his home, 10 decimals adjacent to a cemetery and approximately 16 decimals beside the main road at Palshia Bazar.
The complainants estimate the combined value of the properties at Tk 130.7 million. However, the ownership, market value and legal status of each property must be verified through relevant deeds and official records before the total can be confirmed.
Land Grabbing Allegations and Pending Court Cases
In addition to the allegations concerning his wealth, Saiful Islam has been accused of land grabbing and involvement in property disputes. The complainants allege that a plot of land beside a cemetery was forcibly acquired. Another allegation claims that land was transferred by their father in circumstances that allegedly deprived three brothers of their interests. There is also an allegation concerning the alleged forcible occupation or acquisition of approximately six decimals of land belonging to Md. Delwar Hossain, son of the late Chaman Ali.
According to the complaint, two separate cases involving Saiful Islam are pending before the Additional District Magistrate's Court in Tangail and the Court of the Judicial Magistrate with jurisdiction over Gopalpur Police Station.
In one case filed by Md. Hafizur Rahman, Saiful Islam and three other individuals are named as defendants. The other named individuals are Ruhul Amin, Abu Bakar Mia and Shahjahan.
According to the case documents described in the complaint, a dispute arose over the ownership and possession of 14 decimals of land in Maizbari. The court reportedly directed both parties to maintain peace and order and preserve the existing possession of the disputed land until the case is resolved.
As the cases remain pending, the allegations should not be treated as established facts before a final judicial determination.
Questions Over the Source of Wealth
The central question raised by the complainants is whether the alleged assets are consistent with Saiful Islam's earnings throughout his government service and the assets declared in his official records.
They have called for scrutiny of his income tax returns, asset declarations, bank accounts, land deeds, mutation records and construction expenditure to determine the sources of funding.
The allegations concerning FDRs, savings certificates and other financial assets held in the names of his wife and close relatives should also be examined. The existence, value and beneficial ownership of these assets can only be established through documentary evidence and appropriate legal procedures.
Calls for ACC and NBR Investigations
The complainants have called on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the relevant tax intelligence authorities to investigate the alleged assets and financial transactions.
They argue that an examination of property ownership, sources of funds, declared assets and banking transactions could help determine whether the allegations have any factual basis.
Calls have also been made for a departmental investigation into the allegations of bribery and harassment of taxpayers. If the allegations are substantiated, the relevant authorities should take appropriate action in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Saiful Islam's response to the allegations, along with an official statement from the relevant tax authority, should be sought and incorporated into the report. An impartial investigation, verification of documentary evidence and consideration of statements from all parties will be essential to establishing the facts.