Patuakhali Forest Official Faces Bribery Claims After Leaving Post
Soyeb Khan, an acting forest beat officer in Maudubi Union, Rangabali upazila, Patuakhali, allegedly left his workplace secretly. He is accused of taking large sums of money. These payments were for fishing permits in local rivers and canals. Mr. Khan promised to return the money before he left.
An audio recording captured a conversation about these financial deals. In the recording, Soyeb Khan mentioned returning money to people he could not help. He said he would not keep any money belonging to anyone. He promised to settle all issues before his departure.
Fisherman Ilias Patowari said he paid 100,000 Taka. He was promised a fishing permit for a specific area. When he did not receive the permit, Mr. Patowari and others went to Mr. Khan’s office. They demanded their money back on July 22. During this meeting, Mr. Patowari recorded the conversation on his phone.
Jahir Uddin replaced Soyeb Khan at the post. Mr. Uddin told local reporters that many people contact him daily. They hope to get their money back from Mr. Khan. Mr. Uddin said Soyeb Khan left without properly handing over his duties.
Official rules state a fishing permit costs only 575 Taka for an engine-run trawler. However, Soyeb Khan allegedly collected between 25,000 and 400,000 Taka from each person. These payments were supposedly for fishing permits or collecting grass for cattle.
Tanbin Biswas, a local leader, also claimed he paid 86,000 Taka to Soyeb Khan. Mr. Biswas said he never received the promised permit. He later got 40,000 Taka back on July 25. At least 30 local people have similar complaints. Local council member Md Mohasin Uddin Bhuiya said he paid 100,000 Taka.
Soyeb Khan spoke to reporters by phone. He said the allegations were “unnecessary” because he had been transferred. He also claimed he had “resolved most of the issues.” He promised more details but did not answer further calls.
Rangabali Range Officer Amir Hossain joined his post on July 22. He said he heard verbal complaints about Soyeb Khan taking bribes on July 23. However, Mr. Hossain denied taking signatures or writing down names and amounts owed. Attempts to reach Patuakhali Divisional Forest Officer Md Jahidur Rahman Mia were unsuccessful.
