Dhaka South City Corporation has relieved a revenue department official of his duties over allegations that traders were harassed and money was improperly taken during trade licence issuance and renewal. Mostofa Nuruddin Ahmmed, licence and advertisement supervisor at the miscellaneous collection branch of Zone 4, was asked to submit a written explanation within three working days on why administrative and legal action should not be taken against him.

The allegations were raised at an August 16 discussion jointly organised by DSCC and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mohammad Ali Bhutto, president of Moulvibazar Business Association, alleged that during an on-the-spot trade licence renewal camp on June 23 and 24, the official took cash from traders on the assurance that 22 trade licences would be renewed.

According to the complaint, the licences had still not been renewed more than one and a half months after the money was taken. Bhutto also alleged that the official delayed and evaded the matter when contacted by phone. DSCC Administrator freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam ordered immediate strict action after hearing the allegation. Chief Revenue Officer Jonaed Kabir Sohag said further legal action would follow after the official's show-cause reply is received.