Regent Chairman Shahed commissions fake certificate for himself

Police on Friday said recently-arrested Regent Group Chairman Md Shahed had tried to prepare another fake Covid-19 test certificate, but this time for himself.

Shahed allegedly asked one of his trusted aides to collect a sample from a Covid-19 positive patient and then use that to prepare a certificate for him, said sources at the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

"We got some clues and are now analysing the information so that we can take action against those involved," they added.

Asked whether Shahed has been tested for the novel coronavirus, Kazi Shafiqul Alam, deputy commissioner of DB Uttara Division, said Shahed does not have any symptoms of Covid-19.

"This is just another example of his deceitful character. He staged this drama so that police do not go close to him for interrogation and also to gain sympathy," he said.

Deputy Commissioner Shafiqul also said they have no plans of testing the arrestee, stating it would be a waste of public funds.  

Mahbub Alam, joint commissioner of DB, told The Business Standard that they have already started a thorough investigation into the case.

"DB Uttara Division just took custody of Shahed on Thursday and they have already interrogated him for the first day," he added.

Meanwhile, an official from the division said Shahed had tried to mislead them during interrogation.

"He tried to give false information multiple times. Claiming to be Covid-19 positive was also a tactic. He even sneezes continuously to pretend that he is sick, but he is lying," the official said without providing an explanation as to how they were so sure of his health condition. 

Another source at the Detective Branch said Shahed has given the names of some "upstanding members of society" and "senior government officials" involved with Regent Hospital.

"No matter who they are, if they were involved with the scam, we will bring them to book," the official added.

Meanwhile, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) – the agency that arrested Shahed – has already submitted a request to Police Headquarters, asking to take charge of the investigation.

"However, this may take some time as it also requires permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs," said Sujoy Sarker, assistant director of the Legal and Media Wing of RAB.

On Thursday, RAB also arrested two people – including a relative of Shahed – and recovered 48 cheque books signed by the Regent Hospital chairman, 10 bottles of Phensedyl and 2,120 Yaba pills from their possession in Ashulia, Savar.