The mayor of Ramganj Municipality Abul Khair Patwary has allegedly embezzled Tk 40 lakh by leasing a fish and kitchen market whimsically without maintaining any government rule.
Local businessmen alleged that the mayor did not call any tender for leasing Ramganj fish and kitchen market but he has been collecting money as of his wish for the last two years.
The mayor has taken Tk 40 lakh, 20 lakh for each year, from businessman Nazir Ahmed for the last two year as leasing money.
Acknowledging the amount, Nazir Ahmed said he was only doing business by giving the money to the mayor but was unable to make any comment over the issue.
A municipal official, who did not want to be named, said “a shed has been constructed at a cost of Tk8 lakh in the market. In the first year, the lease was given according to the rules but in the last two years the lease was given verbally without calling any tender.”
In this regard, Municipal Mayor Abul Khair Patwary said “the construction work of the Ramganj fish and kitchen market has been going on for the last two years. So it was not possible to call tender for the market. Traders are doing business by leasing one’s personal space.”
Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Lakshmipur Suraiya Jahan said she was not aware of the matter.
“The matter will be investigated and legal action will be taken as per the law,’ she said.
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