Harassment: Natore DC accused by a female colleague

A female colleague has accused the Natore deputy commissioner of harassing her by sending her “indecent” text messages and making “suggestive” proposals.

The harassment by Golamur Rahman began soon after he joined the DC office on October 9, the woman wrote in a letter addressing the public administration ministry.

Screenshots of the Facebook messenger conversations were attached with the letter.

The DC denied the allegations.

According to the letter, Golamur frequently asked the woman, an assistant commissioner, to spend time with him after work hours.

On several occasions, he texted the woman during late hours at night on the pretext of “official urgency,” but she did not respond. Every morning she had to explain herself for not replying to the messages, the letter read.

The DC continued to harass her despite her polite rejections, she alleged.

On October 15, he made a “suggestive” proposal, prompting her to write to the ministry.

The ministry transferred her to Khulna on October 22, after she shared her experience with her supervisors and other colleagues.

The Daily Star obtained a copy of the letter from her colleagues.

Contacted by phone, the woman confirmed the letter but would not say if she sent it to the ministry.

Yusuf Harun, additional secretary of the ministry, said they were aware of the incident but were yet to receive a formal complaint.

Asked if any action would be taken, he said a process was on.

Golamur claimed the allegations were aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of the election.

“A conspiracy is being hatched to distract us [from our duties],” he alleged.

Asked about the messenger screenshots, Golamur said his account could have been hacked.

Abdur Razzaque, president of Natore unit of Durniti Protirodh (corruption prevention) Committee, demanded a proper investigation.

“It is unexpected that a top officer like the deputy commissioner will harass his female colleague in the office. We demand exemplary punishment,” he said.