A senior station officer of Directorate of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) has travelled abroad using fake documents and without formal approval from the authorities concerned.
An internal probe has confirmed that Senior Station Officer Md Saidul Alam Chowdhury (PN-2193) used a fake memo and a forged government order (GO) to facilitate his unauthorised trip.
Despite these serious allegations, then Director (Administration and Finance) Mohammad Mozammel Haque failed to ensure administrative accountability. Rather than taking disciplinary action, he reassigned the accused officer to Pay Officer-cum-Adjutant at the department’s training complex—effectively burying the matter.
When asked about the allegations, Mozammel Haque, now a joint secretary said, “The matter was investigated and handled as a departmental case. Only the director general (DG) has the authority to disclose such reports. These reports do not directly reach the director (admin and finance) level.”
Responding to a query, Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Md Zahid Kamal said, “Legal proceedings are underway. Comments can only be made, once the process is complete.”
According to sources at Fire Service, Saidul Alam Chowdhury left his post in February 2023 and remained absent for an extended period. His trip abroad was not authorised through proper channels, nor did he get clearance from the directorate or ministry. He travelled to Austria using a passport and visa, claiming to pursue an MPhil under University of Dhaka—a claim now revealed as false.
To investigate the matter, Fire Service on 11 June 2023 formed a three-member committee headed by Principal of Mirpur Fire Service Training Complex Md Saleh Uddin. The other members of the committee were Assistant Director Md Mamunur Rashid and Staff Officer Md Robiul Alam. When asked, Saleh Uddin, now serving as Acting Deputy Director (Dhaka) said, “The directorate assigned me to investigate the matter, and I submitted the report following due process. It is up to the directorate to take necessary action against Saidul Alam.”
The investigation revealed that Saidul Alam Chowdhury had submitted no invitation letter, sponsorship, or communication from the university to any section of the directorate. Furthermore, the travel memo he used was entirely fabricated, with no official record found in the department or training wing. Cross-verification using digital file numbers and the ministry's standard procedures confirmed the documents were forged and illegally produced.
Despite frequent efforts over mobile phone, Saidul Alam Chowdhury could not be reached for his comments in this regard. Even this correspondent could not contact the Director General and Acting Director (Admin and Finance) over phone.
