ACC conducts drive at Uttara passport office over financial irregularities

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted an operation at the Uttara Regional Passport Office in Dhaka on Wednesday over allegations of harassment, bribery and financial irregularities.

The ACC’s enforcement team carried out the drive in the morning based on specific complaints against the office.

ACC Assistant Director Tanzir Ahmed told Dhaka Post that the team was verifying the allegations and reviewing relevant documents and activities at the office.

According to ACC sources, passport applicants have allegedly been harassed at different stages of the application process, while some were charged amounts beyond the prescribed government fees. There were also allegations of taking bribes to expedite passport processing.

The complaints also include irregular financial transactions at the office and the alleged involvement of brokers in collecting additional money from applicants.

The ACC is examining the allegations as part of Wednesday’s operation. If evidence of wrongdoing is found, action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with the commission’s rules.

If the allegations are found to have preliminary merit, the matter may be sent to the relevant ACC wing for further inquiry or investigation.

sks