Allegations have surfaced against Mortuza Shariful Islam, tax commissioner of Cox’s Bazar Tax Zone, over the alleged use of government vehicles, fuel and staff for a private social gathering.
According to a report published by local news outlet Cox’s Bazar Konthosor on Sunday, the allegations centre on a two-day reunion of former students of Dhaka College’s 1992 Higher Secondary Certificate batch, held at Inani Royal Resort in Cox’s Bazar on October 15.
The report alleged that official vehicles belonging to the tax zone were used to transport guests attending the reunion. It also claimed that government vehicles and fuel were used for several days to facilitate the movement of the commissioner’s friends and acquaintances outside regular office hours.
The report further alleged that several employees of the tax zone were assigned duties related to the private event, including on a Friday, while wearing their prescribed departmental uniforms.
If substantiated, the alleged use of public vehicles, fuel and personnel for private purposes could raise questions about compliance with government rules governing the use of state resources and the conduct of public officials.
The report also raised concerns over alleged indifference towards taxpayer services and called for an impartial investigation into the use of official vehicles and fuel.
However, the allegations have not been independently verified by The Business Times. No documentary evidence establishing misuse of government resources was available in the source report.
The local outlet said it had attempted to contact the commissioner by phone but could not obtain his comment because his mobile phone was switched off. It said a message had also been sent seeking his response.
The commissioner’s response to the allegations could not be established from the available information.
An independent inquiry, including a review of vehicle logbooks, fuel expenditure records and staff duty rosters, could help determine whether government resources were used for purposes unrelated to official duties.
The allegations remain unproven, and the commissioner should be allowed to respond before any conclusions are drawn.
Business Times sent him a message via WhatsApp to ask about these allegations, but he did not provide any response
