Irregularities worth Tk 6.1 million found in municipality, no action taken after one year
Collected Photo
A government audit has uncovered widespread irregularities and financial losses in development projects carried out by the Kishoreganj Municipality. The audit report was submitted more than a year ago but has only recently come to light. No action has been taken over the matter so far.
The irregularities were identified by the Local Government and Rural Development Audit Directorate after reviewing various development projects implemented during the 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024 fiscal years. According to the report, “A significant amount of municipal funds was misappropriated and financial losses were caused through executing less work than claimed, withdrawing bills despite the absence of work, making multiple payments for the same work, carrying out construction outside the approved design, and preparing false estimates.”
The report holds Executive Engineer Md. Rafiqul Islam responsible for the irregularities. According to audit officials, in most cases the work was carried out and bills were paid in violation of Rule 127(2)(b) of the Public Procurement Rules (PPR 2008). They said such actions amount to fraudulent practices.
One of the major allegations in the report is that a project called for the construction of a 65 meter drain, but only 55 meters were actually built. Despite this, the contractor received full payment as if the entire 65 meters had been completed. An excess payment of Tk 133,325 was made for the missing 10 meters.
Another allegation states that Tk 1,584,827 was paid for the construction of slabs in different wards, but there is no record of how many slabs were actually built. The payments were made solely on the basis of certificates issued by the respective councilors.
The audit report also states that although flat soling already existed beneath a previously constructed cement concrete road, the same soling was included again in the estimate for new reinforced cement concrete work and payment was made accordingly. This caused a financial loss of Tk 131,400 to the municipality. In another drain construction project, payment was made for reinforced cement concrete and mild steel bars even though no steel rods were used. An excess payment of Tk 635,906 was made in that case.
The largest allegation of irregularity involves emergency repair work. According to the report, although various repair works were shown as completed through petty vouchers at different times of the year, tenders were later invited for the same types of work and additional payments were made. This resulted in a financial loss of Tk 3,110,994 to the municipality.
The audit report also mentions several other allegations.
Swapan Kumar Barman, president of the Kishoreganj chapter of the Citizens for Good Governance (SHUJAN), said, “More than a year has passed since the audit objection was raised, yet no visible action has been taken. The officials responsible cannot avoid accountability. The matter should be investigated seriously and prompt action is necessary.”
On April 21, 2025, Mahmudul Hasan Mamun, Audit and Accounts Officer of the Local Government and Rural Development Audit Directorate, formally raised the audit objections. He told Agamir Somoy, “The incident took place a long time ago. I am no longer in that position. Therefore, I cannot comment in detail on the matter.”
Sheikh Masud Iqbal, Public Prosecutor of the Kishoreganj office of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), said the commission could launch an investigation on its own initiative based on the audit objections. “If the allegations are found to be true, there is also an opportunity to file a case. There is no way to avoid responsibility for this type of corruption,” he said.
Responding to the allegations, accused Executive Engineer Md. Rafiqul Islam said, “The audit objection will be resolved through official procedures. This is not my issue alone. I cannot comment on the matter without permission from the higher authorities.”
Municipal Executive Officer Syed Shafikur Rahman said, “He is our Executive Engineer. It is not appropriate for one official to comment on another official.”
Repeated attempts were made to contact Municipal Administrator Jebunnahar Shammi for comment, but she could not be reached. A message was also sent to her mobile phone, but no response was received.
