Complaint Filed Against Office Assistant Over Bribery Allegations in Tala

A formal complaint has been filed against Mamunur Rahman, an office assistant at the Tala Project Implementation Office (PIO), for allegedly soliciting bribes from government relief beneficiaries.

The investigation follows a viral video shared on Facebook Wednesday morning, which purportedly shows Rahman accepting cash in exchange for distributing government-allotted corrugated iron (tin) sheets. In the footage, the accused is reportedly seen offering to return the money after being confronted.

The complainant, Kazi Nazrul Islam, a local resident facing financial hardship, detailed the extortion "I applied for government tins due to my family's poor condition and my wife’s illness. When they arrived, Mamun demanded a 3,000 BDT bribe, threatening to withhold the relief if I didn't pay. I was forced to give him 2,500 BDT at night just to receive the materials the next day."

Islam further alleged that he has yet to receive the 3,000 BDT government stipend intended to cover transport and installation costs, which is typically distributed alongside the materials.

Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Ashraful Islam distanced himself from the incident, stating that there is no provision for charging fees during relief distribution. He noted that formal disciplinary action would be initiated upon the receipt of a written complaint and verified evidence.

Tala Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Hosne Ara was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.