Kazi Sultana (Identification No. 300285), an officer of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Customs and Excise) cadre, was recently promoted to the post of Joint Commissioner (Grade-5) and posted as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Internal Resources Division (IRD). Her promotion and subsequent posting have sparked fresh controversy, with allegations emerging regarding the accumulation of substantial assets in her name and that of her husband, Mahiuddin Ahmed Murad, an officer of the Education cadre.
However, the allegations have yet to be independently verified, and a neutral investigation would be necessary to establish their authenticity.
Allegations of Substantial Assets in Dhaka and Rural Areas
According to information obtained during an inquiry, Kazi Sultana and Mahiuddin Ahmed Murad allegedly own significant movable and immovable assets in Dhaka and their ancestral areas.
According to the information, a three-katha plot in Aftabnagar's Zahurul Islam City, located in Block F, Sector-1, Road-3, House-19, was registered in Mahiuddin Ahmed's name at the Khilgaon Sub-Registrar's Office on March 31, 2019. Although the value of the plot was shown as Tk 1.726 million in the deed, sources claim that the actual purchase price was approximately Tk 35 million.
It has further been alleged that an eight-storey building was constructed on the plot at an estimated cost of around Tk 60 million. According to the information gathered, the building generates approximately Tk 350,000 in monthly rental income.
The couple is also alleged to own several 2,400-square-foot apartments in Block I of the Bashundhara Residential Area, each reportedly worth several crores of taka. In addition, sources claim that they own a 12-katha plot in Block L of the same residential area. The current market value of the land is estimated at Tk 100–120 million, according to information attributed to relevant sources. A garden house has reportedly been developed on the property.
Further allegations concern two shops under the name “Style MK” at BTI Shopping Mall in North Badda. The shops were reportedly purchased for approximately Tk 8–9 million. Information has also emerged regarding four and a half kathas of land in Sector 11 of Uttara, several private vehicles, and a duplex house in a rural area reportedly constructed at a cost of around Tk 30 million.
Questions Over Postings and Administrative Decisions
Kazi Sultana's postings to several important and sought-after positions within the National Board of Revenue (NBR) during different stages of her career have also come under scrutiny.
There are allegations that she remained in several key positions for an extended period due to the influence of former NBR member Moazzem Hossain. However, this allegation, too, requires independent verification.
Sources further claim that departmental proceedings were initiated against her over allegations of irregularities and corruption during her tenure at the ICD Customs House. It has been alleged that the proceedings contributed to a delay in her promotion compared with some of her contemporaries.
Later, while serving at the Dhaka North Bond Commissionerate and Dhaka West VAT Commissionerate, she also reportedly faced allegations of receiving financial benefits in connection with administrative decisions and the disposal of various files.
The nature and authenticity of any evidence or documents supporting these allegations would need to be established through an impartial investigation.
Fresh Controversy Over Promotion
Amid these allegations, Kazi Sultana was promoted to the post of Joint Commissioner of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Customs and Excise) cadre through a government notification issued on June 22. She was subsequently posted as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Internal Resources Division.
Although allegations of bribery, corruption and irregularities involving Kazi Sultana have surfaced at different times, questions have been raised as to whether the NBR has taken any visible disciplinary action in response to those allegations.
Attempts were made to obtain comments from Kazi Sultana and her husband, Mahiuddin Ahmed, regarding the allegations. However, their mobile phone numbers were reportedly found switched off, and no immediate response could be obtained. As a result, their position regarding the allegations could not be ascertained.
According to individuals associated with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Reform Commission and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), allegations of this nature should be investigated promptly, impartially and transparently to strengthen good governance in the customs and tax administration and restore public confidence.
A neutral investigation could establish whether the allegations are substantiated. If proven, appropriate action could then be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law and applicable regulations. Conversely, if the allegations are found to be unfounded, such an investigation would also help clear the questions surrounding the officials concerned.
Ensuring accountability and transparency in the revenue administration, therefore, requires a thorough and impartial examination of the allegations.