Chattogram:The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated legal proceedings against ten individuals, including a former chairman and former Union Parishad (UP) members, for allegedly embezzling Taka 8,780,583 from development projects in Karerhat Union Parishad, Mirsharai. The funds were sourced from a 1% tax revenue intended for these projects.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the accused are suspected of engaging in irregularities and using forged vouchers in the execution of 55 development projects spanning from the 2017-18 to the 2021-22 fiscal years. The case was filed by Md. Jasim Uddin, Deputy Assistant Director at the ACC's Integrated District Office, Chattogram-2, with confirmation from Md. Riaz Uddin, Deputy Director of the same office.
The list of accused includes Md. Enayet Hossain Nayan, the former Chairman of Karerhat Union Parishad and Mirsharai Upazila Parishad; former female members Kalpana Rani Chakraborty, Shelly Majumdar, and Tahera Begum; along with former UP members Md. Abu Taher (Master), Md. Shahid Ullah, Md. Belal Uddin, Fair Mia Mintu, Md. Azad Uddin, and Korban Ali.
The First Information Report (FIR) reveals that the ACC's examination of project documents and statements from involved parties uncovered preliminary evidence of irregularities. It was found that most vouchers were forged, and funds were drawn without project execution. Business owners named in the vouchers denied involvement, stating that the signatures and text were not theirs.
The FIR further indicates that Nayan and the implicated UP members were accountable for the oversight and execution of the projects. They allegedly conspired to misappropriate the funds, violating project guidelines, abusing authority, and engaging in fraud. The filing of the case received approval from the ACC headquarters.