Although the video footage of taking bribe for issuing health certificate went viral on social media, the Civil Surgeon did not take any departmental action. Allegation has been raised against Meherpur Civil Surgeon office chief office assistant (Barababu) Khalilur Rahman.
He said that money was being taken for issuing health certificate for the last 12 years on the instructions of the civil surgeon. In the video that has been spread through social media, a group of young men can be seen in Barababu's room to get a certificate needed for going to Korea. Certificates are being given to those who pay Tk 700. The certificate files of those kept pending who are failing to pay money. The process of moving to Korea is completed in five steps. Online registration first. After that, BOESL holds the lottery. Winners are required to face a Korean language proficiency test and procure certificate. If one crosses this step, then he is to face skill and health test. After that, application must be submitted for visa with a clearance from the police.
On the condition of anonymity, a young man said to those who are willing to go to Korea in a short time and without any trouble, manage 700 rupees and give it to Khalil. Then he gives us a report.
When contacted, office assistant Khalilur Rahman said that since 2012, money has been taken for all types of health certificates with the permission from the civil surgeon. When asked whether the health certificate money is deposited to the treasury, he could not give an answer.
When asked about the reason for taking money, Civil Surgeon Dr Mahi Uddin Ahmed said, “I do not know the rules. I will let you know. And I recently have joined Meherpur. Your complaint will be considered.”.