Passport seekers, who have been harassed by brokers several times at Panchagargh passport office, submitted a memorandum to deputy commissioner of Panchagarh Mohamad Salahuddin seeking measures to put an end to this kinds of ill practices.
The protesters said a section of corrupt officials harass people showing different causes and forced applicants to pay bribe. Despite of paying bribe they cannot get passports in time.
Srikanta Barman, son of Anil Chandra Barman of Banghari village in Panchagarh sadar upazila, said he had submitted application to the office for his passport about a week ago.
Later, night guard of the office Al Amin, impersonating himself as an official, took Tk2,200 saying it was needed for official expenses and police verification purpose.
On Sunday, Al Amin again demanded Tk1,500 for police verification.
Al Amin also took Tk1,000 from Jesmin Akhter, daughter of Sofiul Islam of Diyapara village in Boda upazila of the district, on Sunday.
On 30 March, he also took Tk2,500 from another applicant Sheuly Akhter, daughter of Pojir Uddin of Kismat Roseya village in Atway upazila in the name of office expenditure and police verification.
In the evening of the day, several applicants informed the matter to officer-in-Charge of Sadar police station Mominul Islam.
After receiving complaint, a police team led by SI Aminul Haque went to the spot and informed the matter to Sub-Assistant Director Md Abdul Mottaleb. Abdul Mottaleb said he would look into the matter.
When contacted, Al Amin said not only he but officials of the passport office take share of the amount.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin told the Dhaka Tribune that he was informed about the matter and would look into the matter.
Superintendent of Police Abul Kalam Azad said they would take actions if anybody files case in this regard.
