A customs revenue officer currently serving at Chattogram Custom House has come under scrutiny following allegations that he amassed assets worth hundreds of millions of taka during his 12 years in government service.
According to an investigative claim, Altaf Hossain, a member of the 14th batch of customs and VAT officers, joined the National Board of Revenue (NBR) as an Assistant Revenue Officer in 2014. The report alleges that since then, he has accumulated significant wealth, including multiple apartments and plots in Dhaka, a luxurious residence in his native village, expensive vehicles, and other assets reportedly registered in the names of his wife, children, and relatives.
The report further claims that while serving at the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, Altaf allegedly remained posted at the Air Freight Unit of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for more than a year, despite internal rules reportedly limiting such assignments to six months. During that period, he is alleged to have accumulated substantial illicit wealth.
The allegations also state that Altaf has served in Kishoreganj, Khulna, the Customs Intelligence Directorate, and most recently at Chattogram Custom House. It is claimed that his lifestyle and declared assets are inconsistent with the salary of a Grade-10 government officer.
According to the report, he allegedly owns two apartments in the Jatrabari-Rasulpur area of Dhaka and has additional investments and fixed deposits in the names of family members and associates. The report also alleges that he has acquired extensive properties in his home village in Morrelganj, Bagerhat.
The investigation further alleges that Altaf played a prominent role in recent protests involving NBR officials and employees and claims that he and his associates financed parts of the movement. However, no official evidence has been publicly released to substantiate those allegations.
When contacted by phone regarding the allegations, Altaf Hossain reportedly acknowledged owning two apartments and claimed to possess additional assets. The report also attributes to him several controversial remarks regarding corruption and government institutions. ChatGPT has not independently verified the authenticity of those alleged statements.
As of the time of writing, no formal charges or findings have been announced by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) or any court regarding the allegations. The claims remain unproven, and the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty through due legal process.
