Getting a birth certificate without a broker has become nearly impossible in some parts of the city. While the official fee is only 50 taka, applicants are being charged up to 3,000 taka when they go through local shops. Allegations have surfaced that city corporation employees are involved in the scheme, yet the authorities continue to deny any responsibility, despite widespread public suffering.

A shopkeeper involved in the process told Somoy News that creating a new birth certificate or correcting errors can be done within three days—for a price of around 2,500 to 3,000 taka. He insisted that there’s no room for negotiation, adding that officials prefer to work through informal channels and avoid phone calls to leave no evidence.

Surprisingly, applicants don’t even need essential documents like vaccination cards or hospital discharge papers. Whether the birth occurred at home or in a hospital, and regardless of the actual location, the brokers can arrange certificates with any preferred address—for a fee. The syndicate even uses the name of a private clinic to issue fake hospital papers. However, staff at the clinic deny any connection.

When revisited, the shopkeeper denied his previous claims after spotting the camera. Meanwhile, when contacted for a statement, a regional executive officer of Dhaka South City Corporation shifted blame to Dhaka North City Corporation, stating that only their higher-ups or public relations officials can speak to the media.

As people continue to suffer, many feel they have no choice but to rely on these brokers. Victims are now demanding strict action against those involved and a streamlined, hassle-free service from the authorities.