Customs official suspended over graft

The Internal Resources Division (IRD) suspended customs commissioner M Hafizur Rahman on Thursday, after it found primary evidence of his having undisclosed money and for staying abroad without abiding by instructions of the authorities concerned.
M Hafizur Rahman, an officer of BCS customs and excise cadre, was commissioner (current charge) in Customs Bond Commissionerate, Dhaka.
He went to UK's Coventry University to study Masters of Business Administration in lien with the government approval. In March 2014, he applied for leave extension, which was not approved by IRD.
The division instructed him to join immediately after expiry of his leave. He ignored the order, and filed a writ petition with the High Court (HC).
An IRD order said Mr Rahman stayed abroad, ignoring the order to join his job after expiry of his leave.
An investigation committee of the government earlier launched probe, following allegations against the customs official.
It has found Mr Rahman is the owner of 75 per cent stake of a freight forwarding company - Best Logistics Limited - operating businesses in London and Dubai, which is barred for the government officials. He has also purchased savings certificates and flats with undisclosed income.
IRD secretary Ghulam Hussain suspended him through the order on Thursday under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 1985. It has been issued with a retrospective effect from March 15, 2014.

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