Worked 10 Years Using Friend’s Certificate; Forgery Exposed After Fraud Case.

Rajib Alam had been working for 10 years in various private companies by impersonating his friend Tipu Sultan and using photocopies of Tipu’s academic certificates. Except for his own photograph, Rajib used his friend’s name, father’s name, address, and all educational documents in his résumé. Under this false identity, he held the position of Assistant Manager at the central warehouse of a company in Dhaka.

Recently, a police case was filed against Rajib Alam and several of his colleagues for embezzling goods worth Tk 8.35 million (approximately $76,000) through fraudulent means. Following Rajib’s arrest, police sent a notice to the real Tipu Sultan’s home, which led to the forgery being uncovered.

Rajib Alam is the son of Altab Hossain from Arifpur village in Bagha upazila, Rajshahi. He passed his SSC in 2011 from Chandipur High School and his HSC in 2014 from Tetulia-Pirgacha Vocational Institute and Technical BM College.

Tipu Sultan, whose identity was misused, is also from the same village. His father’s name is Khaibar Ali. Tipu passed his SSC in 2009 from Nawtika High School, HSC in 2011 from Sharifabad College, and completed his post-graduation in Political Science from Rajshahi College in 2016. For the past 7–8 years, he has worked in various companies and is currently employed at a garment factory.

According to the case report, Moshiur Rahman (ID 8395), AGM (Store) of Palmal Group of Industries’ central warehouse, and Rajib Alam—who, on paper, was listed as Tipu Sultan (ID 8395)—were both serving as assistant managers. During an audit, it was revealed that Moshiur, Rajib, and others had colluded to embezzle goods worth Tk 8.35 million from the company using forged documents and fraudulent practices. Fazlur Rahman Chowdhury, the AGM of the central warehouse, filed the complaint at Ashulia Police Station.

Police then attempted to contact Tipu Sultan using the address on file, which exposed the identity fraud.

Investigating officer Omar Faruk stated that he had recently been transferred from Ashulia Police Station and would hand over the investigation to a new officer. He noted that any further inquiries should be directed to his successor.

Tipu Sultan commented, “I had no idea Rajib was using my certificates to work. I only found out when police visited my house after the case was filed. I tried to file a General Diary (GD) at Bagha Police Station, but they refused to accept it. Later, I submitted a written complaint at the Charghat Army Camp.” He added that locals have suggested resolving the matter informally, but he remains concerned about potential legal complications.

Rajib Alam’s father, Altab Hossain, said the matter would be settled among themselves and that no one would face trouble.

Fazlur Rahman Chowdhury, the company’s AGM and complainant, stated he is aware of the situation. Tipu Sultan’s brother contacted him and explained everything. Fazlur said he has submitted a copy of Rajib Alam’s national ID to the court and assured that Tipu, being innocent, would not suffer any consequences. He added that he would fully brief the new investigating officer and nothing would proceed without his input.