Photo: Collected
Following the fall of the Awami League government during the anti-discrimination student movement, many, from leaders to government employees, have gone into hiding. Some are even being arrested while attempting to flee. In this context, Abdullah Al Mamun, the controversial official who fraudulently issued a passport to former IGP Benazir Ahmed, has also gone missing.
Although this corrupt official of the department was transferred from the Dhaka Divisional Passport Office to Sylhet, he did not report for duty. The transfer was made on July 29. Currently, no one can locate him, and his official and personal mobile numbers are switched off. This situation has created a stir throughout the department.
On condition of anonymity, a senior department official said that actions have been initiated to address this matter. Preparations are being made to inform the ministry, which will subsequently take measures.
According to relevant sources, Abdullah Al Mamun, the director of the Dhaka Divisional Passport Office, appeared untouchable. Being a confidant of former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and close to former IGP Benazir, he disregarded rules, regulations, seniority, and protocol. This senior government official was so powerful that he openly defied orders in front of the Director General and threatened to file a case against the Additional Director General. His office, as well as officials at the headquarters, lived in fear of him. Despite this, there is an ongoing case against him in the Anti-Corruption Commission for acquiring a vast amount of illegal assets, with a charge sheet already filed. At least 15 serious allegations against him have been proven in the investigation. Despite the department's request for his dismissal, the ministry has yet to take any action against him.
He faces allegations of amassing enormous wealth through various irregularities and corruption related to passports. After a lengthy investigation, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed a case against him for failing to disclose assets worth Tk 3 crore 65 lakh. A charge sheet has been filed against him, and he has been repeatedly absent from work without informing the Director General. He has even travelled abroad.
Meanwhile, department officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that despite being in government service, he behaved like a goonda when at the office. He showed no respect for anyone, from the Director General to other senior officials. His wife, Shahanara, also exerted power and gained various benefits at Dhaka College. Their misconduct was attributed to their closeness with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
Officials are now saying that measures are being taken against him due to his prolonged absence.
Messenger/Disha
