Md. Milon Raihan:
Allegations have been made against the principal of Pur MU Fazil (Graduate) Madrasa in Kalai upazila of Joypurhat of collecting extra money from students to issue certificates, irregularities in the institution’s funds, arbitrariness in land lease and use of the institution’s vehicles for personal purposes. These allegations have created intense criticism and anger in the area.
According to local sources, students demand 1,000 to 2,000 taka from the madrasa principal Mufti Saheb Ali when they go to get certificates for college admission, job applications or other urgent needs. It is alleged that if the money is not paid, the issuance of certificates is delayed on various pretexts. This has led to extreme dissatisfaction among the affected students and their guardians.
Some of the affected parents said that office assistant Zahurul Islam demanded additional money on the instructions of the principal. Many were forced to pay money for certificates in urgent need.
Amjad Hossain, guardian of eighth grade student Shakib, said,
“Last week, when I went to collect my son’s certificate, they demanded 2,000 taka because the name did not match the birth certificate. However, he was admitted with the same birth certificate.”
Sahida Begum, guardian of seventh grade student Sohag, said,
“When I went to collect the certificate, they also demanded 1,000 taka. I had to return empty-handed because I could not pay.”
Nur Nabi, guardian of sixth grade student Ashiq, complained, “The principal and office assistant threatened and beat me for protesting various irregularities in the madrasa. Even though the matter was known, I did not receive any justice at that time. Therefore, no one dares to protest out of fear.”
In addition, locals alleged that out of a Laguna and a microbus purchased for transporting students, the microbus is regularly used for the principal’s personal purposes. At the same time, there is a lack of transparency in the madrasa’s land lease, development sector and other funds.
Some local people and teachers, who did not want to be named, said that the money left during the time of former principal Helal Uddin and the money currently spent on land development, including various sectors, is not available. They claim that part-time teachers have been appointed despite having sufficient teachers. In addition, although it has its own transport system, a few easy bikes have been rented and the institution’s car is being used for personal purposes. As a result, the institution is facing financial losses.
They further alleged that the institution is being run as it pleases by forming two ad hoc committees in a row, which raises questions about transparency and accountability.
When asked about the allegations, Principal Mufti Saheb Ali said,
“You guys come, sit down and talk. If I am proven guilty, I will take whatever action I can.”
Former Madrasa Principal Helal Uddin Noori said, “When I retired, I left Tk 1.1 million in the Madrasa Fund. Besides, 42 bighas of land used to earn Tk 9 to 10 million annually from lease, which was deposited in the bank and spent on the advice of the committee.”
Upazila Secondary Education Officer (Acting) Munsur Rahman said,
“I have just arrived, I was not aware of the matter. Necessary action will be taken after investigation.”
Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Shamim Ara said, “I came to know about the matter through you. The concerned department will be instructed to investigate. If necessary, I will also investigate and take action.”
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) and ad hoc committee chairman Bipul Kumar said, “I have not held any meeting for a long time. We will have to see if I am still in charge. I am not aware of the allegations.”
Meanwhile, there is intense anger among the locals after the allegations. They have demanded that the truth be revealed through a speedy impartial investigation and legal action be taken against those responsible.
Views: 3
