Netrakona, Dec 28 (V7N) – An investigation has substantiated allegations of government fund embezzlement against the Mohanganj Upazila Social Welfare Officer in Netrakona. According to investigation findings, Tk 22,47 lakh was misappropriated from the microcredit programme, Tk 513,000 from the Palli Matri Kendra, Tk 475,000 from the disability education stipend scheme, and Tk 140,000 from the beggar rehabilitation project.

Meanwhile, widespread irregularities have also been alleged in the microcredit programme within the Netrakona municipal area over the past several years.

Field-level inquiries reveal that a syndicate comprising brokers identified as Subhas, Hannan, Morshed and Mokammel, along with several others, allegedly carried out large-scale corruption in collusion with the then municipal social welfare officer Abdullah Al Mamun and staff member Abdul Awal. The group is accused of collecting large sums of money from ordinary service seekers by promising access to microcredit loans.

The syndicate also allegedly extorted money from labourers, day workers, beggars and other low-income groups by assuring them of old-age allowances, widow allowances and other social safety net benefits. Although some members of the group became inactive following the July uprising, sources claim the syndicate has recently resumed its activities.

When contacted, Abdul Awal, currently serving as a social worker at the Social Welfare Office of Amtala Union under Netrakona Sadar upazila, said that pressure was exerted on him by invoking the name of then State Minister for Social Welfare Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru to facilitate loans and allowances. While admitting to irregularities, he denied taking money from beneficiaries and placed full responsibility on the former municipal social welfare officer Abdullah Al Mamun, claiming the actions were carried out under his instructions.

In response, Shah Alam, Deputy Director of the Netrakona District Social Welfare Office, stated that appropriate action would be taken against all social welfare officials and employees found to be involved in the irregularities, following due process.

END/ATN/SMA/