Official, aide arrested over bribery in ACC drive at Benapole Customs House

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested a customs revenue officer and her associate on charges of bribery at the Benapole Custom House.

ACC Director General Akhtar Hossain confirmed the matter to reporters today (7 October), saying both arrestees have been produced in court.

A case was filed against them under sections 161, 162, 163, 164, 165A and 109 of the Penal Code and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

According to ACC sources, Revenue Officer Shamima Akter, arrested today, allegedly abused her authority by regularly collecting bribes from C&F (clearing and forwarding) agents during the drying process of imported goods.

She was reportedly assisted in this scheme by Hasibur Rahman, a local NGO worker, who was arrested yesterday.

Yesterday, an ACC team conducted a covert operation in and around the Benapole Custom House.

During the operation, the team received information that Hasibur Rahman routinely collected bribes on behalf of Shamima Akter and deposited it through a local shop that provides mobile financial service before transferring it to her.

At around 4:10pm yesterday, the ACC team arrested Hasibur Rahman near the custom house gate with Tk2.76 lakh in what is thought to be bribe money in his possession. He was later turned over to Benapole Port Police Station.

During interrogation, Shamima Akter admitted that she maintained regular contact with Hasibur Rahman and had instructed him to bring the Tk2.76 lakh to her office.

The ACC stated that the accused possess crucial evidence and information related to the case. For the sake of investigation, the commission has sought to send them to jail through the court.