Syndicate of Copyists Allegedly Exorbitant Fees for Document Copies at Naogaon

Service seekers at the Niamatpur Sub-Registry Office in Naogaon have been left bewildered by the grip of a syndicate formed by document copyists (Nakalnabish). These copyists are allegedly ignoring the government-prescribed fees and arbitrarily setting their own rates to issue copies of legal documents.

Complaints suggest that the fee for obtaining a single copy of a deed is being charged at an excessive 2,000 to 2,500 Taka. When questioned about the inflated cost, the copyists reportedly claim they are acting under the instruction of the Sub-Registrar. This has led service seekers to question whether the Sub-Registrar is personally pocketing the excess money.

According to office sources, the government rules stipulate that the fee for a document copy should be collected based on stamp duty and through G (A) and GG receipts, calculated at 36 Taka per 300 words. However, the amount being demanded ranges from 2,000 to 2,500 Taka per copy.

A victim, Shahjahan Shaju, stated, "When I applied for copies of five deeds, the copyist, Rashedul (Russell), demanded 10,000 Taka." When asked for the reason behind the high cost, Rashedul allegedly replied that it was impossible to issue the copies for less, citing instructions from the Sub-Registrar. Consequently, Shahjahan Shaju filed a complaint against the issue with the Sub-Registrar.

When contacted regarding the issue, Sub-Registrar Shakil Ahmed confirmed, "I have received a complaint regarding the collection of additional money for document copies. Action will be taken after a proper investigation."