Jhalokathi, Sept 8 (V7N) – Allegations of financial mismanagement and fraud have emerged against literary scholar and orphanage head Md. Ismail Hossain in Rajapur Upazila, Jhalokathi. Investigations reveal that while official records claim a dozen or more orphans reside at the facility, the actual number of children is significantly lower. Local sources allege that government funds allocated for food, clothing, and education are being diverted to other purposes.
 
According to the Upazila Social Services Office, the orphanage receives an annual government allocation of approximately Tk 9,12,000 for 38 registered orphans. Regulations from the Department of Social Services stipulate that for each registered orphan, there should be twice as many students benefiting from the allocation. However, field inspections reveal that out of over 50 registered children, only 8–10 are regularly residing at the orphanage.
 
The orphanage’s cook told reporters that he prepares meals daily for only 5–7 children. Several locals claim that the government funds intended for orphan welfare are instead spent on building maintenance and salaries for the cook and religious teacher, with minimal expenditure on the children themselves.
 
A parent, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “There is no proper residential arrangement for the children. While records indicate that all children live and study here, the building is mostly empty.”
 
Rajapur Upazila Social Services Officer Md. Mozammel confirmed that a report had been submitted to the ministry regarding the low number of orphans. He added that the remaining allegations are under investigation and appropriate legal action will be taken.
 
The orphanage’s president, Siddiqur Rahman, admitted that the number of children currently present is lower than official records, citing that many students leave the madrasa for their homes.
 
Local activists and concerned citizens have urged authorities to immediately investigate the matter and take administrative action to ensure that government funds are used for the genuine welfare of orphans.
 
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