Madhabpasha Chandradeep High School and College

Special Corresponded

Allegation of demanding Tk 5 lakh as bribe from the newly formed ad-hoc committee of Madhabpasha Chandradeep High School and College has been intensified against Mohammad Delwar Hossain, Deputy Commissioner (DC) in Barishal.

Due to non-compliance with the demand, the DC has been deliberately withheld the approval of the ad-hoc committee for over five months, the school sources said.

According to a written complaint, the delay was allegedly made by the DC due to the school’s refusal of paying Tk 5 lakh as bribe in the name of the DC’s so-called development fund or LR fund. The matter has now turned into ‘talk of the country’, as it has recently come under notice of the Cabinet Division for investigation. It is now being investigated by the directive of cabinet division. Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Secretary of the concerned Ministry confirmed the matter to media recently.

The institution, located at Durgasagar Dighi in Babuganj upazila of the district and nearly a century old, is said to be facing serious disruptions in its academic activities due to the prolonged absence of a valid management committee. Local residents, including parents and members of civil society, have raised voice that the issue could soon spark protests, processions, or even road blockades, they said to the journalists.

According to a complaint submitted by Md. Mizanur Rahman, the Ministry of Public Administration’s Discipline and Investigation Division is inquiring the issue. The school authority applied for the formation of an ad-hoc committee on January 2, proposing three names, according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Education. The DC has assigned Faruk Ahmed, UNO of Babuganj in this purpose.

He then proposes three names with the consent of local public teachers, student guardians and civil society leaders. The proposed three names are: Md. Mizanur Rahman, Md. Rafiqul Islam and Rafiqul Islam.

Generally, the first name is to be chosen as president. According to the provision, Mizanur Rahman, listed first, was expecting to be approved as per the Ministry circular.

However, acting principal Jiban Krishna Bepari stated, “As per the Ministry’s circular, the individual listed first must be certified by the Deputy Commissioner. But the DC has unlawfully held the file for over five months with him.”

Mizanur Rahman further alleged that, during a meeting with the DC in February, he was asked to revise the list, placing the second candidate in the first position. In late March, the DC informed him that a complaint had been lodged against Mizanur Rahman and that approval would be withheld until it would be settled.

On April 24, the DC reportedly asked the complainant to appear with evidence within three days. When the complainant failed to do so, the matter was re-investigated by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Upama Farisa, who concluded that Mizanur Rahman has no fault.

Mizanur Rahman further alleged that during a meeting on April 29, the DC explicitly told him that his name would be approved only if he donates Tk 5 lakh to the so-called development fund. As he refused and protested, the DC said, “I will decide whom to approve. The second candidate will be selected instead of first name.”

When contacted over cell phone, DC of Barishal Mohammad Delwar Hossain declined the allegation of demanding bribe and said, “I asked the principal to resubmit the application with a fresh name.”

Regarding the delay, he added, “There are two opposing groups. The delay was to maintain the academic environment,” before ending the call.

According to official memo no. 1447 dated May 24 from the Ministry of Public Administration’s Discipline and Investigation Wing, the matter is currently under review at the Cabinet Secretary’s office. When contacted, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid said, “If the allegations are proven, stern action will be taken.”