Md. Khairuzzaman Sajib, Special Correspondent, Dhaka

A mobile court conducted by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) at its Dhaka Metro Circle-1 office in Mirpur sentenced four brokers to prison and fined four others as part of an ongoing crackdown to eliminate middlemen and protect service seekers from harassment.

The drive was led by BRTA Executive Magistrate Md. Anisuzzaman, targeting individuals accused of illegally operating as brokers inside and around the BRTA office.

The detainees admitted their offences before the court. Based on their confessions, the magistrate sentenced one person to three months' simple imprisonment, while three others received two months' simple imprisonment each. In addition, four individuals were fined a total of Tk 35,000. Several other members of the alleged broker network fled the scene during the operation.

The individuals sentenced to imprisonment were identified as:

1.     Md. Imran Hossain (23), son of Md. Manik Hossain

2.     Md. Imran Ali (20), son of Md. Iqbal Hossain

3.     Md. Rafique (40), son of Md. Mobarak Ali

4.     Md. Mizanur Rahman (51), son of Md. Tafser Ali

Executive Magistrate Md. Anisuzzaman said the accused were involved in deceiving BRTA clients by promising to expedite official procedures, collecting money and documents, and then defrauding them.

He said complaints against such broker networks continue to be received and reaffirmed that mobile court operations against brokers and fraudsters will continue to ensure transparent and hassle-free services for the public at BRTA offices.