Corruption in Union Land Offices: Ordinary Citizens Held Hostage by Brokers

Photo: CNI

Jamalpur Correspondent:
Corruption in Union Land Office: Ordinary Citizens Held Hostage by Brokers

In Ghosherpara Union Land Office of Melandah Upazila, Jamalpur, allegations have surfaced that bribes are being collected from service seekers, with a video showing open bribery inside the office circulating on social media.

It is alleged that money is routinely demanded from citizens for land registration, land tax, and other land-related services. Majnu Mia, a staff member of the Union Land Office, has been accused of being the main orchestrator of this bribery, reportedly taking bribes for almost all services.

Locals allege that Union Land Officer Mostafizur Rahman and staff member Majnu Mia exploit the name of the Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) to regularly extort money. Files are often deliberately delayed for months if bribes are not paid.

Investigation reveals that for land registration, citizens must first apply online. This process reportedly triggers the bribe chain. Even after submitting documents for certification at the Union Land Office, bribes are demanded. Simple villagers often pay extra money through various manipulative means, including payments for land taxes.

On-site observation showed citizens waiting inside the office. Officials reportedly point out errors in paperwork and then facilitate the transaction of bribes with Majnu Mia before providing services.

Multiple service seekers reported:

• Online applications often require Tk 500, part of which goes to Majnu as commission.

• For a Tk 200 land tax, villagers reportedly have to pay Tk 3,000.

• The Union Land Officer allegedly employs brokers to collect money from citizens.

Shahjahan Mia from Bagbari area said,

“No work happens without a broker. After much running around, a broker named Robiul demanded Tk 6,000 for 60% of my land’s cancellation, later asking for an additional Tk 1,500. I have been delayed for three months because I didn’t pay.”

Victim Ziaul Islam added,

“No work is done without paying money. I submitted a land cancellation request, but it has been delayed for months, and extra money is still being demanded.”

The accused Union Land Officer Mostafizur Rahman refused to comment on camera regarding the allegations.

Melandah Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mahmuda Akter Jyoti said,

“If a written complaint is submitted, it will be investigated and necessary action will be taken.”

Jamalpur Additional District Commissioner (Revenue) Sumi Akter added,

“I just learned about this through your report. There is no scope for taking extra money from service seekers. The matter will be investigated, and necessary action will be taken.”