BIWTA suspends director after video leak

A director of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority has been suspended after video clips involving allegations of misconduct spread on social media.

A.K.M. Arif Uddin, also known as Arif Hasnat, director of BIWTA’s Port and Transport Division, was suspended through an official order issued on Tuesday.

The order was signed by BIWTA Chairman Md Muhidul Islam.

According to the order, several video clips containing allegations of a woman-related scandal, corruption and misconduct involving Arif Uddin were published on different social media platforms, damaging the image of the organisation.

The order said he was suspended from service under Rule 41(1) of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Employees Service Regulations, 1990, for violating Rules 35(b) and 35(e).

During the suspension period, Arif Uddin will receive a subsistence allowance in line with the applicable rules.

He has also been instructed to report regularly to BIWTA’s Administration and Human Resources Division. His subsistence allowance will be paid subject to his regular attendance.

No formal investigation findings on the allegations against him have been made public yet.
The suspension order will remain in effect until further decision by the authorities.

Meanwhile, Md Saiful Islam, director of BIWTA’s Administration and Human Resources Division, has been given additional charge of the Port and Transport Division.
The order said the decision would take effect immediately.