Atikur Rahman, 38, the driver of former Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader's wife, has built a luxurious duplex house in his village of Singair from illicit earnings.
He is also running several businesses in Dhaka, living a luxurious lifestyle.
Meanwhile, questions have arisen among the public regarding the source of Atik’s wealth, which includes a duplex house.
Local residents are asking how a driver who earns Tk18,000 per month can afford to construct a duplex costing nearly Tk2 crore in his village while also operating a gents' parlour and restaurant in Dhaka.
Atik is the son of the late Lehazuddin from the Kashimonogar area in Singair municipality.
Speaking with locals, it was revealed that due to family financial struggles, Atik only completed his studies up to the seventh grade before opting for a career in driving. He started his career driving a baby taxi, and later, with the help of his older brother, he secured a job as a driver in the Road Transport and Bridges Department, where he drove for the former minister's wife. Since then, Atik has not looked back, gaining trust and making substantial amounts of money through various illicit means.
He built an eye-catching duplex in his village and started businesses in Dhaka.
Following the change in dynamics after the anti-discrimination movement on August 5, various criticisms have emerged regarding Atikur Rahman's sudden rise from a driver to a wealthy businessman and the source of his amassed wealth.
Several relatives and neighbours, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the need to investigate how Atik, who has seen such rapid growth, achieved it.
Locals reported that during the pandemic, even when there were restrictions on trucks filled with bricks entering Dhaka from Singair, Atik used the names of the minister and his wife to facilitate entry, charging Tk5,000 per vehicle.
As a result, brick kiln owners from Singair sought his assistance, allowing him to collect vast amount of money in this manner.
They further questioned how Atik could build a duplex and operate multiple businesses while working as a driver for Tk18,000 per month.
The accused private car driver, Atikur Rahman, was not found at his home during a visit.
Additionally, attempts to contact him multiple times on his mobile phone were unsuccessful as it was switched off, making it impossible to obtain his comments.
Atik's younger sister, Rabea Khatun, stated: "My brother works in Dhaka and is in the brick business. He drove for the minister's wife for 5-6 years. His intention was to build a beautiful house for our mother, which he has done."
Atik's mother, Shahela Khatun, added: "My son has a government job as a driver. He also has two shops in Dhaka and is a partner in a business. It would indeed cost about Tk2 crore to build that house. My son is currently facing a lot of problems, with various people coming to our home demanding money," she said.
Engineer Mohammad Yunus, president of the Singair Upazila Anti-Corruption Prevention Committee, commented: "Our work is to raise awareness against corruption. If anyone files a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding this matter, the commission will investigate and take action."
Regarding this situation, Advocate Aziz Ullah, the public prosecutor (PP) for the ACC in Manikganj district, stated: "If someone engages in such illicit activities, there are legal provisions under existing laws to take action against them."