This honest Bangladeshi Dubai cabbie returned passenger's Dh235,000

Ever since he ditched a computer design job for that of a taxi driver at Dubai Taxi, Ariful Karim has been driving people around the UAE.

It’s a job he thoroughly enjoys, even though it means time away from his family in Bangladesh.

Two years into the job, he’s happy how his honesty beyond the call of duty has been recognised and applauded.

He proudly shows his badge, an honour he received from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for returning cash left behind by a forgetful passenger.

“It happened last year, just before the end of Ramadan, when a passenger forgot to take his belongings when he stepped out of the cab. I didn’t notice it, and had a few passengers after that. It’s when I was taking a breather that I found a paper packet that had slipped between the seats,” he recalls.

“It’s when I slid my hand between the seats, and pulled out the pack that I realised that it had cash in it. I counted it, and it totalled to Dh235,000.

“I called the RTA and deposited the pack with the office.

“After a day, the passenger approached the RTA and was told his packet was intact. I was also called in, and I met the passenger, who was from Iran. He rewarded me with Dh300.”

Ariful was honoured by RTA with a badge and certificate, applauding his honesty.

He claims this isn’t the first time that he has stepped out from the line of duty and helped. “Often, passengers leave behind their wallet or mobiles, and each time I make it a point to report to the office, and deposit it there.”

He recalls how a customer had given him a Dh500 currency note, instead of Dh50. “When I realised that he paid Dh530, instead of Dh58, I called him back and pointed out his oversight.”

Twenty-eight-year-old Arif, who works from 4am to 4pm, says his parents have been instrumental in teaching him to choose the right path always.

“Allah takes care of me so why should I worry?” he smiles.

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