DU transcript section bribery racket exposed, Tk 10-15K collected daily

A systematic bribery operation at Dhaka University's (DU) Transcript Section allegedly collected between TK 10,000-15,000 daily from students seeking certificates, university sources revealed following the caught-in-the-act arrest of an employee.

According to media reports, two to three students were charged extra money every day at the section. A portion of this daily collection was regularly handed over to Masud Karim, principal assistant of the Transcript Section, although he did not appear directly in transactions.

This racket came to light on Tuesday when Shamsunnahar, a temporary employee working in Room 310(b) of Controller of Examinations' Office, was caught red-handed demanding TK 5000 from medical student Mehjabin Surovi for urgent certificate issuance. DUCSU member Sarba Mitra Chakma, along with students and proctorial team members, apprehended her that afternoon.

Multiple WhatsApp screenshots showing money demands have surfaced as evidence. Following her arrest, Shamsunnahar claimed that she was not acting alone.

She alleged that the operation ran as a syndicate and named Masud Karim as being involved in the racket.

A DU official, speaking anonymously to media, said that allegations against Masud Karim had circulated for a long time.

He said, “Such allegations against Masud Karim had been heard for a long time. But the issue has now come into the open following this caught-in-the-act incident.”

Victim student Mehjabin Surovi alleged that she was sent between offices for several days regarding certificate work. She was told her online application was incorrect and then asked to fill out offline forms. Despite paying official government fee for emergency service, she was informed of delays.

Surovi claimed that an additional ‘honorarium’ was demanded. Shamsunnahar insisted on TK 5 thousand for quick certificate delivery. When she attempted to negotiate, she alleged she was humiliated.

Multiple officials and staff members allegedly collected bribes jointly and regularly from students. However, this syndicated nature of activities kept the issue concealed for an extended period.

Surovi submitted a written complaint to Proctor Office on the evening of January 13. Shamsunnahar was taken to the Proctor's Office after discussions with Controller of Examinations, where she made her statement about syndicate operations.

When contacted about allegations, Masud Karim denied involvement. “I am not involved in any of this,” he said, declining further comment on specific allegations.

DU Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed receiving the complaint. "We have received the complaint. The controller will be informed tomorrow. Since this involves officials, they will take appropriate action," he told media.

Allegations suggest the racket has operated for a considerable time at the section, systematically charging students illicit fees beyond official government charges for certificate services.

NRE/AM