JHALOKATHI, July 28 (V7N) – A controversy has erupted at Ranapasha Hossainia Hamidia Dakhil Madrasa in Nalchity upazila of Jhalokathi after a video allegedly showing a money transaction related to a recruitment process went viral on social media. Local residents have demanded an investigation into the allegations.
The video has sparked allegations of recruitment irregularities against Madrasa Managing Committee President and former publicity secretary of Jhalokathi District BNP, Md Nasir Ahmed Talukder. However, he has denied the allegations, describing them as a conspiracy.
According to the allegations, Tk 6 lakh was taken in several instalments from job seeker Md Kawsar with a promise of appointing him as an office assistant at the madrasa. A video recorded on July 1, showing the alleged handover of Tk 2 lakh at the president’s residence, recently went viral on social media.
The video reportedly shows madrasa office assistant Md Ibrahim counting money and handing it over to the president, while conversations related to the job appointment process can also be heard.
Kawsar claimed that he paid a total of Tk 6 lakh after being assured of the job. He said he recorded the video himself. After failing to receive the promised appointment and losing contact with those involved, he submitted a written complaint to the Nalchity Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on Monday along with other alleged victims.
He also alleged that money was taken in connection with the recruitment of a lab assistant and a security guard.
Madrasa office assistant Md Ibrahim said he counted the money and understood that it was related to a job-related transaction.
Meanwhile, Madrasa Managing Committee President Nasir Ahmed Talukder denied the allegations, saying the money shown in the video was related to a land sale transaction. He claimed that a group was deliberately portraying the matter differently and demanded a fair investigation.
Following the release of the video, local BNP leaders and activists also expressed dissatisfaction. Ranapasha Union BNP Joint General Secretary Mehedi Khan said they visited the madrasa and demanded suspension of the recruitment process and removal of the president.
Madrasa Superintendent Mawlana Md Abul Basar said local leaders met with him after allegations of financial transactions surfaced against the president. He added that recruitment activities for three posts have currently been suspended.
Madrasa Managing Committee member Md Faisal Khan said no decision regarding new staff appointments was taken at any committee meeting. The matter will be discussed at the next meeting, he said, while also raising questions about the role of the superintendent.
Nalchity Upazila Nirbahi Officer (additional charge) Rizvi Ahmed Sabuj said he had received the complaint and assured that the matter would be investigated before taking necessary action.
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