Alamdanga, Chuadanga: Allegations of irregularities and corruption have surfaced at Nigar Siddiq Degree College in Alamdanga upazila of Chuadanga. The college principal, Abu Nasir, and the chairman of its ad hoc governing body, Yusuf Hasan, have been accused by teachers, staff, students and concerned local residents of recruitment irregularities, misappropriation of government-funded salaries and allowances, embezzlement of institutional funds, and attempts to form a governing body secretly in violation of administrative procedures.
According to the complainants, although various educational institutions across the country have undergone administrative reforms and restructuring following the mass uprising of 2024, Nigar Siddiq Degree College has yet to form a full-fledged governing body even after a considerable period. Taking advantage of the situation, the principal and the ad hoc committee chairman are allegedly attempting to form a governing body with people of their own choice without following the prescribed process.
Alleged Withdrawal of Salaries in the Name of a ‘Ghost’ Teacher
One of the most serious allegations concerns the appointment of a teacher named Arliza Khatun in the Bengali Department.
It has been alleged that she was appointed through irregular means in exchange for approximately Tk 2.5 million. Following the appointment, government-funded salaries and allowances have allegedly been withdrawn regularly in her name on paper, although she does not regularly attend the college or conduct classes.
Several teachers, employees and students of the college claim that they have never seen Arliza Khatun regularly attending classes or remaining present on the college campus. Questions have also been raised regarding her name and signature in the attendance register.
However, Arliza Khatun has claimed that her appointment is lawful. She has yet to provide, according to the complainants, a satisfactory explanation regarding the allegations of her absence from the college and failure to conduct classes.
Allegations Concerning the Principal’s Appointment
The complainants have also alleged that Abu Nasir obtained his appointment as principal in 2011 by using political influence and connections with individuals associated with the then-ruling party. They further alleged that qualified candidates were excluded and that financial transactions played a role in his appointment.
The complainants also alleged that the principal had long exercised considerable influence over the institution by using the political influence of former Member of Parliament for Chuadanga-1, Solaiman Haque Joarder Chhেলুন, and Arshad Uddin Chandan, the former MP’s brother-in-law.
These allegations, however, could not be independently verified. Confirmation of the claims will require examination of relevant documents and the final findings of the authorities’ investigation.
Alleged Embezzlement of Nearly Tk 2 Million from College Funds
Serious allegations have also been raised regarding the financial management of the college.
According to the complainants, an internal audit covering a period of 21 months found evidence of the embezzlement of nearly Tk 2 million from the institution’s funds.
However, as the full audit report has not been made publicly available and no formal statement has been obtained from the relevant authorities, the allegation of financial embezzlement could not be conclusively established.
Three-Member Investigation Committee Formed
Following media reports on the allegations of irregularities and recruitment-related misconduct, a three-member investigation committee, led by Alamdanga Upazila Agriculture Officer Masud Hossain Palash, conducted an on-site investigation at the college on August 3.
After completing the investigation, the head of the committee told journalists present at the college that approximately 95 percent of the alleged irregularities had been found during the preliminary investigation.
He also said that the committee would submit its investigation report to the appropriate authorities within seven working days.
After the deadline passed, a member of the committee was contacted to inquire about the progress of the report. The member said that the report had been sent to the higher authorities.
Delay in Publication of Investigation Report Raises Questions
The failure to provide a copy of the investigation report to the complainants, along with the delay in making its findings public, has raised questions among teachers, employees and concerned members of the local community.
A teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they feared that the delay in publishing the investigation report could be an attempt to suppress the facts.
The teacher called for prompt administrative action if the allegations were found to be substantiated. The teacher also said that teachers and employees were prepared to launch a movement if the full investigation report was not made public.
Demand for a Legitimate Governing Body
The allegations of recruitment irregularities, financial misconduct and abuse of power at the long-established Nigar Siddiq Degree College have reportedly caused resentment among local residents.
Concerned residents, guardians and students have demanded an impartial investigation into the allegations, the prompt publication of the investigation report, and legal action against those found responsible.
They have also called for the formation of a legitimate, full-fledged governing body through a transparent election process as soon as possible.
The allegations against Principal Abu Nasir and Ad hoc Governing Body Chairman Yusuf Hasan could not be independently verified. Their statements on the allegations were also not available at the time of publication. Their responses will be incorporated if and when they are obtained.