Viral video of bribe-taking lands land official transferred

Sarwar Hossain, the Assistant Sub-Assistant Land Officer at Dangi Union Land Office in Nagarkanda upazila of Faridpur, has been transferred to the Deputy Commissioner's office following allegations of bribery. The action came after a video of him taking money went viral on social media.

The Deputy Commissioner's office confirmed the matter on Wednesday (July 29). Sarwar Hossain has been issued a show-cause notice under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules and will serve at the Deputy Commissioner's office until further notice.

According to sources at the Nagarkanda Upazila Land Office, a video was recorded on July 17 during office hours showing the official accepting money from a service seeker. The video surfaced on social media on July 27, sparking widespread discussion. In the video, Sarwar Hossain is heard saying, "The work will be completed within a month."

A show-cause notice was issued on July 28, asking him to submit a written explanation within three working days.

Nagarkanda Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Rezwana Afrin said the accused official has been verbally warned. She has also recommended action according to rules, stating that his conduct has undermined public confidence in government services.

Faridpur Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Mintu Biswas said based on the upazila administration's recommendation, Sarwar Hossain has been immediately attached to the Deputy Commissioner's office. Further proceedings are ongoing according to rules.

This comes just a day after another Faridpur land official, Imran Sheikh of Boalmari upazila, was temporarily suspended after a video of him taking a bribe went viral.