Seventeen-year-old Shahid Sharif Ahmed of Katiadi, Kishoreganj, launched the anti-bribery reporting platform “Ghus.site” on August 21. Within 12 days, the website received 12,202 complaints from people who said they faced bribery demands while seeking government and private services. Based on information submitted by complainants, the total amount allegedly demanded was about Tk361.27 crore.

Shahid said the project grew from his family’s own experience. After his mother, primary school teacher Amina Khatun, died on December 16, 2022, his father said he was forced to pay Tk38,000 in bribes to withdraw provident fund money. The family also alleged that Tk100,000 was demanded to access other dues, with Tk80,000 already paid. Shahid also said Tk1,500 was taken after his passport file was held up.

Shahid built the website’s initial coding and structure in two hours, while co-founder Saif Kabir handles promotion and marketing. A four-member moderation team reviews submissions, and the project has cost about Tk10,000. Shahid said he faces threats and is unwell, while his father sought government protection for the family.