A civil servant who worked in five roles simultaneously has said he was "surprised" to be charged with fraud and denied any dishonesty over failing to disclose his other employment.
Kashim Chowdhury told reporters he did not consider himself to have acted dishonestly when he did not inform his employers of the additional jobs he was holding. Details of the specific posts and employers involved have not been disclosed in the account provided.
The allegation — a criminal charge of fraud — will take the matter into the legal system. Chowdhury's statement that he was surprised by the charge contrasts with the decision by authorities to proceed with criminal allegations rather than, for example, administrative or disciplinary measures.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of outside employment by public servants. Observers say such situations can raise questions about transparency, conflicts of interest and the need for clear declarations of additional work, although the precise circumstances and motivations in this case have not been made public.
No outcome has been reported and it is not clear what next steps have been set by prosecutors or the courts. Chowdhury's comments, as reported, emphasised his denial of dishonesty and his surprise at the decision to bring fraud charges against him.