The Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen, has ordered the temporary suspension of Ashraful Islam, Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), after a corruption allegation was raised during a public hearing in Habiganj.
The directive came immediately during the hearing held on Monday, 24 November, at the Habiganj District Shilpakala Academy. The complaint was brought by Noman Mia, a truck driver from the Hatirthan area of Sadar upazila.
According to Noman, although he had already paid the official fees, Ashraful Islam openly demanded a bribe of Tk 4,000 to issue a fitness token and subjected him to prolonged harassment throughout the day. After listening to the complaint, the ACC Chairman summoned senior BRTA officials present at the venue and verified the allegation. He then instructed them to promptly suspend Ashraful Islam and initiate departmental proceedings.
A day earlier, during a public hearing in Sylhet, the ACC Chairman had similarly ordered the suspension of a librarian at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital for irregularities. The Commission’s back-to-back firm actions have sparked public discussion and renewed confidence among citizens regarding accountability in public services.
The public hearing in Habiganj drew a strong response from residents. Over the past two weeks, nearly 200 complaints were submitted across 10 booths set up in different parts of the district. The majority involved grievances related to the Railway Hospital, Election Office, Land Registration, BRTA, and Passport Office.After scrutiny, 80 complaints were selected for open hearing.
The event was attended by ACC Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen as chief guest. ACC Commissioner (Investigation) Miah Muhammad Ali Akbari Azizi and Secretary Mohammad Khaled Rahim were present as special guests. Habiganj Deputy Commissioner Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arifin presided over the session.
Speaking to journalists after the hearing, the ACC Chairman said that all complaints from the public would be addressed with utmost seriousness. He added that the ACC would continue its strict vigilance to ensure transparency and accountability in government services.
