Selim Talukder, Shahjadpur:

Allegation of manipulating college buildings’ sale on auction has been intensified against the college authorities in Shahzadpur upazila of Sirajganj district.

The college authorities were accused of selling off 4 buildings of Jamirta Degree College in the upazila at lower prices compared to the genuine rate through an auction held on November 18. It has also been alleged that proper procedures and rules were not followed during the sale.

According to the government circular, if the price of an educational institution building is more than Tk 1 lakh, the Department of Education and Engineering must determine the initial price, publish the auction notice on the relevant website, use microphones throughout the upazila and display the notice publicly in colleges. But the auction was held by people of their choice without following these rules.

While contacted, President of the college governing body and convener of the Upazila Chhatra Dal, Abdullah Al Mamun Jewel said that, the auction was held openly and in compliance with all the rules.

Jamirta Degree College Principal Md. Haider Ali refused to speak on camera on this issue. He said that, the auction was conducted following the proper rules. He also said that, the circular for the building auction is applicable only to government colleges. The approval of the Secondary Education Officer was taken in this regard and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer was informed.

Shahjadpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Kamruzzaman said, “I do not know any information on this issue. If the auction rules are not followed, necessary action will be taken after investigation.”