Maungdaw, Arakan State:  Mrs. Thida, an immigration officer of Maungdaw exit and entry gate, has been harassing passengers coming to Bangladesh and entering Burma on business or personal visits.

"The officer is harassing people who are going on an emergency basis to Bangladesh on business passports for medical treatment. They are facing delay getting clearance at the station," said a relative of a pregnant woman.

The pregnant woman, who was referred to Bangladesh by the township medical officer in Maungdaw hospital, was in a serious condition. The hospital is not equipped with modern facilities for delivery," said a source from the hospital.

The immigration officer is in-charge of the exit and entry station checking documents like passports for people to exit or enter. But, the officer always delays the passengers demanding bribe. Those who bribe her pass quickly, said a passenger from Teknaf.

"The officer asked me to go to an agent of hers who lives near the station, block number one in Maungdaw. He asked for a huge amount of money for clearance. Both the officer and the agent are extorting money from passengers," said a businessman on condition of anonymity.

"The officer always says that she is busy, if you go through the agent permission is granted," said a family member who bribed the agent.

The exit and entry station is always busy with Bangladeshi and Burmese people in transit. The authorities allow a week's permission to stay in Bangladesh, but the departure time is always delayed in Maungdaw to 5 pm and passengers face problems after arriving in Bangladesh at 7 pm to catch a bus to Cox's Bazaar and Chittagong.

"The problem is deliberately created by the officer-in-charge of the Immigration Department, who stays in the station. If the officer gives clearance to the passengers they will reach Bangladesh and will easily be able to go their destination safely," said a trader from Maungdaw.