The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into allegations of corruption, irregularities, and embezzlement of significant funds and assets at Government Mozahar Uddin Biswas College in Kalapara.
A team led by ACC Deputy Director Tanvir Ahmed from the Patuakhali Combined District Office conducted a day-long investigation at the college, focusing on allegations of corruption in teacher recruitment, misappropriation of substantial assets, and financial irregularities on Tuesday.
The team inspected the college campus and reviewed critical files related to teacher recruitment and financial accounts at the principal’s office, according to a source from the college.
Meanwhile, the college principal, Dr. Fatema Heren, acknowledged the ACC’s surprise inspection and investigation but claimed that the alleged corruption, irregularities, and misappropriation of funds and assets did not occur during her tenure.
Allegations include the sale of the college’s old three-story cyclone shelter and a usable two-story tin-shed principal’s quarter for 17 lakh taka without publishing a tender notice in newspapers, embezzlement of 3 lakh 94 thousand taka in higher secondary examination center fees, and misappropriation of 40 lakh taka from various departments of the honors section through corrupt practices. Additionally, accusations involve the misappropriation of government grants, including 1 lakh 69 thousand taka received in the 2013-2014 fiscal year from the PIO office and DC office for college development, 1 lakh 70 thousand taka allocated by the Patuakhali Zila Parishad for completing unfinished work on the vice-principal’s residence, irregularities in a 20 lakh taka project for constructing the college auditorium, misappropriation of two tons of rice for classroom development and furniture repair, and 4 lakh taka in government grants allocated by the Zila Parishad for the repair and renovation of the college’s Jame Mosque, student hostel, hostel kitchen, and teachers’ lounge.
In response to these allegations, a student, Md. Mizanur Rahman, filed a case on March 22, 2023, in the Patuakhali Senior Special Judge Court on behalf of the general student body in the public interest.
The case was filed under Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 27 of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act against former State Minister Md. Mahbubur Rahman, former principals Dolwar Hossain and Liakat Molla, Upazila Secondary Academic Supervisor Md. Moniruzzaman, and 8/9 unidentified individuals.
On April 4, 2023, the Acting Judge of the Patuakhali Senior Special Judge Court, AKM Enamul Karim, directed the ACC Director General (Investigation and Inquiry) in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, to investigate the allegations. Following the court’s order, the ACC headquarters instructed the Patuakhali Integrated District Office to conduct the inquiry. The case had remained dormant for a long time due to lobbying by accused Awami League leaders but has recently been reactivated. However, among the accused, former State Minister Md. Mahbubur Rahman has since passed away, and the others are currently in hiding.
ACC Deputy Director Tanvir Ahmed said, our investigation into the corruption and irregularities at Government Mozahar Uddin Biswas College is nearing completion. We will submit our report soon, and further legal action will be taken as per the directives of the head office.
