The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has temporarily suspended its Port and Transport Division Director, AKM Arif Uddin, following allegations of a scandal, corruption, and misconduct, officials said on Tuesday.
An office order signed by BIWTA Chairman Md. Muhidul Islam ordered the suspension, which takes effect immediately.
Sources said a video showing Arif Uddin in an unethical relationship with a woman recently went viral on social media. The footage, reportedly recorded when local people caught him red-handed in a room, showed him embracing the woman.
Sources said the matter was allegedly settled for Tk10 lakh, but the video subsequently spread on social media platforms.
The suspension order stated that video clips of allegations of scandal, corruption, and misconduct against the director were published on various social media, tarnishing the image of the authority.
The order said Arif Uddin violated Rules 35(b) and (6) of the BIWTA Employees Service Regulations, 1990, and has been temporarily suspended under Rule 41(1).
During the suspension period, he will receive subsistence allowance subject to attendance at the Administration and Human Resources Division.
Meanwhile, BIWTA Administration and Human Resources Division Director Md Saiful Islam has been given additional charge as Director of Port and Transport Division.
Separately, at least three complaints against Arif Uddin are under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over corruption allegations, sources said.
