Probe body sends report to ministry

A probe committee yesterday submitted to the commerce ministry its primary investigation report on the alleged bribe-taking by Md Shahidul Haque, former controller at the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCI&E).

“The committee sent its preliminary report to me today [Monday]. We will further probe into the incident to take action against the accused,” said Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, senior secretary to the commerce ministry.

He, however, declined to give details of the probe findings.

The ministry on September 21 formed the committee, led by Joint Secretary Sadar Ali Biswas, to verify the authenticity of the video clip that showed Shahidul taking bribes from service seekers.

On Sunday, the ministry withdrew Shahidul from his post on recommendations of the committee and attached him to the ministry.

Video clips available on the social media shows the official counting notes at his Motijheel office, bargaining with service seekers over the amount of bribe and putting the cash in his trouser pocket.

It was unclear when the video was shot. But commerce ministry sources said their top officials came to know about the incident before the Eid-ul-Azha (September 25).

Asked about the video clip, Shahidul on Thursday said it was all “part of a conspiracy by some officials at his office and outsiders”.

According to the rules, businesses have to obtain registration certificates from the CCI&E to import or export goods. The fees for imports and exports vary depending on the volume of goods.

Some businessmen alleged that they had to pay bribes for getting certificates even after submitting all the required documents to the CCI&E.