Caught in the act
Govt official filmed taking money from service seekers
Footage of a government official taking cash from what appears to be service seekers while signing papers went viral on social media since Thursday.
Esahaq Ali Mondal, acting sub-registrar in Narayanganj's Araihazar, was filmed taking stash of notes from people in his office.
In what appears to be a video shot with a phone camera, someone is seen trying to put notes in a drawer next to Esahaq's chair.
Esahaq returns the money, saying, “Give something bigger. Be quick.”
The man puts some other notes in the drawer within moments. And Esahaq seems to approve of the amount.
A few moments later, the official takes the money from the drawer and puts it in his pocket with his left hand while he keeps signing the papers in front of him with his right.
Contacted, Narayanganj District Registrar Sabekur Nahar said the man in the footage was acting sub-registrar Esahaq.
“I have seen the video on Thursday night. We will make a decision on Sunday,” she said.
Esahaq did not answer his phone despite repeated attempts.
A man present in the room said Esahaq was filmed secretly on a mobile phone around a week ago.
Employees of the sub-registrar's office said Esahaq often took bribes for service.
He became the acting sub-registrar three months ago, they added.