Rajshahi, Dec 07 (V7N) – A major fraud scandal has surfaced in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi, where two government-owned ponds were allegedly leased in the name of a detained youth leader without his knowledge or consent. The leases, covering a total of nine bighas, were approved by the Upazila Jalmahal Management Committee despite the applicant being in jail at the time.

The ponds were granted in the name of Raihan Ali, assistant secretary of Rajshahi District Jubo League and son of Awami League leader and former Godagari municipal mayor Ayez Uddin Biswas. Raihan was arrested in a political case on 8 May and remained in Rajshahi Central Jail until 4 June. However, applications for leasing three ponds were reportedly submitted in the name of his cooperative, Aashar Alo Matsyachashi Limited, while he was still behind bars.

Following his release on bail, Raihan submitted written complaints to the district administration and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), asserting that he had no involvement in the lease process. He alleged that his signatures were forged, the cooperative did not submit any tender documents, no pay orders were issued, and the final deed was signed by unidentified individuals pretending to represent him.

On 27 October, the Jalmahal Management Committee approved the lease of two ponds to Raihan’s cooperative and allocated the third pond in Mirpur to another cooperative, as regulations allow only two ponds per group. Local fish farmers accused the administration of failing to conduct proper verification before awarding the leases, describing the process as irregular and fraudulent.

Investigations reveal that all three ponds are currently under the control of a group led by Mahfuzul Bari of Sarangpur Mohalla. The group is allegedly attempting to sublease the ponds to others and demanding up to Tk 4 lakh per pond for a one-year term. Mahfuzul Bari is also reported not to be an actual fish farmer.

Newly appointed UNO Nazmus Sadat Ratul confirmed receiving the complaint and said an inquiry is underway. He assured that appropriate administrative steps would be taken in accordance with regulations once the verification process is complete.

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