Md. Moniruzzaman:
There have been allegations of widespread irregularities and corruption in the government allocation given for the renovation of 43 government primary schools used as polling stations on the occasion of the 13th National Parliament Election 2026 in Muktagachha Upazila of Mymensingh.
On-site investigation has shown that the bill has been raised even though there is no actual picture of the work in most of the schools.
According to the Upazila Primary Education Office, about 4 million taka has been allocated for the renovation of polling stations in 43 government primary schools in Muktagachha Upazila. Each school has been allocated from 50 thousand to 1 lakh 50 thousand taka. Of this, a maximum of 1 lakh 50 thousand taka has been allocated to Suhila, Mahishtara, Chechua, Banshati Jagannathbari, Shimla, Amir Uddin Municipality, Kandulia and Arfan Ali Municipality Government Primary Schools.
On the other hand, Rajabari, Narkona, Syedpara, Kandapara, Satrashiya, Amodpur and Syedgram Government Primary Schools were allocated 1 lakh taka each. Again, Mantala got 1 lakh 20 thousand, Mandalsen and Jayda got 90 thousand taka, Raghunathpur and Hyderpur got 80 thousand taka, Qutubpur and Bandagoaliya got 70 thousand taka. In addition, several schools were allocated 50 thousand taka. In total, 43 government primary schools were allocated money for the renovation of polling stations.
However, the reality turned out to be a different picture. It was seen in several schools that no work was done on painting walls, repairing benches, repairing toilets or improving classrooms. In some schools, work was done irresponsibly by showing nominal work. It was seen in Garaikuti Government Primary School (South) that no work was done in this school. Even the teaching staff of this school do not know that 1.5 lakh taka has been allocated for the renovation of polling stations in this school.
The headmaster of this school, Morsheda Aziz, said that the money was withdrawn on time. For various reasons, the organization did not do it, but the work will be done. While talking to reporters, he tried to avoid the issue repeatedly.
The assistant teachers of that school said on condition of anonymity, we did not see any work being done. Suddenly, we heard that the money had arrived, and the bill was also withdrawn. There was no discussion with us on this issue.
Some shopkeepers in the Garaikuti school area said, we came to know through you that money was sanctioned for renovation in this school. They said that although there are numerous allegations of irregularities against the headmaster of this school, no one dares to speak against him.
The guardian member complained and said that usually there is a committee meeting for the development of the school. But this time nothing happened. Everything was done in secret. Later, I heard that the work is finished!
The same information was found in Arfan Ali Government Primary School. There were allegations of embezzlement of most of the money without doing any work in this school.
The former headmaster of this school, Selim Mia, told this reporter, do not poke around in this matter. We know the education officer as a goddess. There is no use in writing. What has been done has been done.
Another local parent expressed his anger and said, “We have not seen any change in our school. Yet, all the work has been completed on paper. So where did the money go?”
Afroza Khatun, headmaster of Nayeb Ali Government Primary School in the city, said, “Tk 50,000 was allocated for the organization. We received Tk 40,000 excluding VAT. Out of that, we had to pay another Tk 1,500 to the government office to withdraw the money. And the remaining money will be used to fix the kanchi gate.”
The investigation also revealed that there are allegations of a certain ‘percentage’ or commission transaction in the process of raising the bill. Locals allege that a few teachers concerned, some officials of the education office and an influential group have formed a syndicate and embezzled this money.
These works were supposed to be completed before the elections, that is, by February 12. But in most cases, there are allegations that the bill was raised without doing any work. This is not only a waste of government money, but also indicates major irregularities in the election preparations.
However, locals demand that an investigation should be conducted in reality, not on paper. They say that it is important to form an independent and impartial investigation committee and investigate the entire matter. Otherwise, such irregularities will continue in the future.
There are allegations against Shahidul Islam, the office assistant of the Upazila Primary Education Office, of taking money for raising the bill. However, he denied the matter to journalists and said that such allegations against him are completely false. No one can prove its truth.
In this regard, Upazila Primary Education Officer Kabita Nandi said that the bill was supposed to be recommended based on on-site inspection. I have repeatedly gone to the UNO sir, but he did not listen to me.
LGED Upazila Engineer Md. Rabiul Islam said that our team has inspected the works. However, if there is any complaint, it will be investigated.
In this regard, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Krishna Chandra said, I have not received any such complaint that the work was not done but the bill was raised. The matter will definitely be investigated and necessary action will be taken.
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