The Bangladesh Consul General in Dubai has denied all allegations of misconduct levelled against him by a prominent Bangladeshi businessman and community members.

The allegations were made by Mahtabur Rahman, Managing Director of Al Haramain Perfumes L.L.C., Ajman.

The incident was also published by the daily Bangladeshi newspaper Jugantar on July 31.

Speaking to Gulf News, Rahman said the consul general, Golam Mohammed, had mistreated his company's public relations officer and accused him of corruption.

"The consul general took charge of his office in May, 2002 and I, as a prominent Bangladeshi businessman, gave him a courtesy call and set up a meeting. Unfortunately, I had to postpone it twice," he said.

"In the meantime, my brother who is a U.S. citizen, had to get his passport renewed. Any Banglad-eshi born in Bangladesh and living in the U.S. does not require a visa to travel to Bangladesh. A 'visa not required' is also stamped in the passports of those who are holding a dual citizenship. It is stamped by the Bangladesh missions and a letter is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the individual who holds a dual citizenship.

"My brother's old, as well as his new passport, were forwarded to the consulate in Dubai for the same. But surprisingly, the consul general refused to stamp the no visa requirement. I got in touch with our embassy in Abu Dhabi. The matter was taken care of.

"However on July 24, my public relations officer happened to visit the consulate to process some documents. He was rudely informed that the consul general had issued an order that no paper belonging to my company should be entertained. The consul general also summoned the PRO and accused me of corruption.

"The consul general then alleged I have accumulated money through illegal means. I immediately took up the matter with the Foreign Ministry in Bangladesh, demanding justice. The response was immediate. On July 30, I received a visit from the Chargé d' Affaires, M.A.K Mahmood, from the embassy. He was accompanied by the consul general. The matter was settled."

Gulf News contacted the consul general for comment. Although hesitant at first, he said: "Whatever is reported about me is not factual. I did not mistreat anyone. I have nothing more to say."