Tangail, July 15 (V7N) - A series of serious allegations have surfaced against Umme Masuma Dewan, the Assistant Land Officer of Narandia Union Land Office in Kaliakoir Upazila, Tangail. Locals accuse her of running the office arbitrarily, demanding bribes for tax waivers and other land services, and engaging in abusive behavior toward service seekers.
 
Residents report that without paying bribes through a syndicate allegedly formed by Dewan and certain local document writers, they cannot receive official land services. For example, a government fee of around Tk 1,200 for tax waiver services reportedly costs up to 6,000 to Tk 12,000 under this corrupt system.
 
Many landowners have suffered repeated harassment after submitting bribes and documents to an office assistant, who later was transferred, leaving their files unresolved for months. Victims claim Dewan dismisses their complaints, refusing accountability and passing blame onto subordinates.
 
One local service seeker, Zakir Hossain from Narandia Paschim Para village, described his six-month struggle to get his land deed processed after paying Tk 6,000 to the syndicate. Another businessman, Badsha Mia, said he was asked to pay Tk 1,500 for a required document from Tangail but was demanded Tk 6,000 in total for land deed processing, which he refused.
 
Abu Zayed Talukdar from Maista Nayapara village reported being asked for Tk 400 bribe without any official explanation. The corrupt practices have led to widespread dissatisfaction and mistrust among locals, undermining government revenue collection.
 
When questioned, Umme Masuma Dewan denied the allegations aggressively, challenging complainants to provide proof and refusing to discuss the matter sitting down or without permission from the Deputy Commissioner.
 
Kaliakoir Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Sifat bin Sadek stated that any credible complaints against the officer will be investigated and appropriate actions taken. He also confirmed an ongoing investigation into a separate allegation against Dewan.
 
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