During the suspension period, Arif will be entitled to a subsistence allowance in accordance with the applicable rules

TDS Desk:

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has temporarily suspended its Director (Ports and Transport Division), AKM Arif Uddin, also known as Arif Hasnat, following the circulation of a viral social media video involving a woman.

The suspension was announced in an office order issued by BIWTA on Tuesday.

According to the order, video clips circulating on social media contain allegations of misconduct involving a woman, corruption and other unethical activities against Arif Uddin, which, the authority said, have damaged BIWTA’s image and reputation.

The order stated that the allegations constitute violations of Rules 35(b) and 35(e) of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Employees Service Regulations, 1990. Consequently, he has been suspended under Rule 41(1) of the regulations pending further proceedings.

During the suspension period, Arif Uddin will be entitled to a subsistence allowance in accordance with the applicable rules. However, he has been directed to report regularly to BIWTA’s Administration and Human Resources Division, and payment of the allowance will be subject to his attendance.

In a separate directive, BIWTA assigned Director (Administration and Human Resources Division) Md Saiful Islam to perform the duties of Director (Ports and Transport Division) in addition to his current responsibilities until further notice.