Pabna, Jan 09 (V7N) — A three-member investigation committee on Thursday began examining allegations of nepotism, corruption, and alleged recruitment trading involving nearly Tk 50 million at Jagatola Siddiqia Dui-Mukhi Dakhil Madrasa in Chatmohar upazila of Pabna district.
The committee visited the madrasa on Thursday afternoon and started its inquiry by reviewing recruitment-related documents and hearing statements from the madrasa authorities, complainants, and other concerned parties.
The investigation team is headed by Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Md Abdul Matin, with Assistant Programmer (ICT) Abdullah Al Noman and Upazila Academic Supervisor Golam Mostafa serving as members. During the visit, they took statements from Madrasa Superintendent Abul Hossain and the complainant, and scrutinized records related to the recent recruitment process.
Several local representatives and community members, including Chatmohar Press Club President Helalur Rahman Jewel, Vice President Sanjit Saha Kingshuk, and former union parishad member Anwar Hossain, were present during the investigation.
Speaking to reporters, committee head Md Abdul Matin said the inquiry was formed based on formal complaints and that both sides had been heard. He added that the investigation was ongoing and that further verification of documents would be conducted before submitting a final report.
Madrasa Superintendent Abul Hossain denied the allegations, stating that the recruitment process was carried out transparently and without any financial transactions or favoritism. He also dismissed allegations of question leaks as baseless and said he would accept any action recommended by the committee if irregularities were proven.
The investigation committee was formed on December 21 by Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Musa Nasir Chowdhury following widespread allegations of recruitment malpractice, nepotism, and irregularities at the institution.
According to the complaint filed by a job applicant, the madrasa’s president Bulbul Ahmed and Superintendent Abul Hossain allegedly colluded to appoint relatives in exchange for large sums of money. The complainant alleged that Bulbul Ahmed, a government primary school assistant teacher, recommended his maternal cousin Tarek Mahmud for the post of office assistant-cum-computer operator and his paternal cousin Rabeya Khatun for the position of aya after showing them as successful candidates.
It was further alleged that Superintendent Abul Hossain recommended Alamgir Hossain, reportedly an associate, for the post of laboratory assistant in exchange for a significant sum of money, while Nayan Hossain, nephew of local BNP leader and former ward member Anwar Hossain, was recommended for the post of security guard.
The allegations were published in various media outlets, prompting the local administration to form the investigation committee. Authorities said further legal and administrative action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
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