Rajshahi, Nov 20 (V7N) – Members of civil society staged a human chain in front of the Rajshahi Divisional Passport and Visa Office at Shalbagan Bazar on Wednesday morning, protesting long-standing irregularities and corruption in the office. They demanded an end to these issues and set a one-month deadline for authorities to take action, threatening larger demonstrations if the problems persist.

The protest was organized under the banner of *Victims of Rajshahi's General People's Union*. Participants included prominent members of various social organizations, including Jamat Khan, General Secretary of Rajshahi Raksha Sangram Parishad; Golam Mostafa Mamun, General Secretary of CAB Rajshahi; Mahmudul Haque, General Secretary of SUJON's district branch; and environmental and women's rights leaders such as Afzal Hossain and Rositi Nazneen.

Protesters accused the office of prioritizing applications submitted through brokers, allowing them to bypass the long queues faced by regular citizens. They claimed Deputy Director Rosy Khandaker signed "special files" submitted through brokers before office hours, ensuring expedited processing. In contrast, ordinary applicants had to endure long wait times and bureaucratic hurdles.

Victims reported that brokers would have their files processed quickly on the second floor, with their photos taken and documents ready within a short time. Meanwhile, those applying independently were forced to wait for hours on the ground floor, exacerbating their suffering.

Following the human chain, civil society representatives met with Deputy Director Rosy Khandaker to address these allegations. Khandaker denied the accusations, demanding proof of corruption. The meeting grew tense, with representatives criticizing her for allegedly ignoring citizen complaints.

Jamat Khan, General Secretary of Rajshahi Raksha Sangram Parishad, warned during the meeting, "If the irregularities and corruption are not addressed within the next month, and if citizens continue to suffer, we will launch a larger protest campaign."

Speakers at the protest emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the passport office. They called on authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure equal treatment for all applicants.

The demonstration reflects growing frustration among citizens over systemic corruption and inefficiency in public services. Civil society’s one-month ultimatum puts pressure on the office to take swift action to regain public trust.

END/RA/AJ