Allegations of systematic bribery have surfaced against the Project Implementation Officer (PIO) at the Barlekha Upazila Project Implementation Office in Moulvibazar, with a complainant claiming that commissions are allegedly collected from funds allocated for various government development projects.
In a written complaint sent to this প্রতিবেদক, a person who identified themselves as a victim alleged that PIO Mizanur Rahman has been collecting commissions from government development allocations on a regular basis.
According to the complaint, a 12% commission is allegedly collected from allocations for various government development projects, including Test Relief (TR) and Cash for Work (Kabikha) schemes.
The complainant further alleged that project chairpersons submitting master rolls—lists containing the names and payment details of workers employed under TR and Kabikha projects—are also allegedly required to pay Tk 2,000 for each master roll.
The complaint claims that bills are not released unless the alleged payments are made, resulting in delays in payments to beneficiaries and workers.
Religious Institutions Also Allegedly Charged
The written complaint further alleges that commissions are also being deducted from social grants allocated to mosques, temples and other religious institutions in the area.
According to the complainant, the alleged practice has become widespread and has affected even funds intended for religious and community institutions.
Alleged Diversion of Unspent Project Funds
The complaint also describes a specific incident involving funds allocated under TR and Kabikha projects associated with the then local member of parliament.
According to the complainant, the allocation was made in June of this year.
Under government rules, funds allocated for projects that are not completed within the stipulated period are generally required to be returned to the government treasury.
However, the complainant alleged that, through an arrangement between PIO Mizanur Rahman and the then Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), the money was not returned to the government treasury. Instead, it was allegedly deposited into a joint account at Sonali Bank.
The complaint further alleges that payments against previous project bills are currently being made from that account through cheques carrying backdated entries.
These allegations could not independently be verified from official records.
10% Commission Allegedly Taken from Press Club Allocation
The complaint also alleges that the PIO deducted a 10% commission from Tk 120,000 allocated for the local Upazila Press Club.
The complainant did not provide independent documentary evidence to substantiate all of the allegations.
PIO Unavailable for Comment
Attempts were made several times to contact Project Implementation Officer Mizanur Rahman by phone to obtain his response to the allegations.
However, he did not answer the calls. As a result, his response could not be included in this report.
Allegations Yet to Be Independently Verified
The allegations presented in this report have not been independently verified and are based solely on a written complaint submitted by a person claiming to be a victim.
The allegations should therefore not be treated as established facts in the absence of documentary evidence or findings from an official investigation.
Relevant higher authorities and the local administration may need to examine project records, bank statements, bills, master rolls, allocation documents and other relevant paperwork to determine whether any irregularities or financial misconduct occurred.
Any conclusions regarding the allegations should be based on such documentary review and an appropriate investigation, including an opportunity for the accused officials to respond.