Jamalpur administration launches probe into development fund irregularities following corruption reports

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The Jamalpur district administration has launched a three-member investigation committee to probe allegations of widespread corruption and mismanagement in the allocation of Annual Development Program (ADP) funds across the district’s seven upazilas. This administrative action follows an investigative report published by Prothom Alo, which detailed claims of financial irregularities and the funding of non-existent projects.

The committee is headed by Additional District Magistrate A.K.M. Abdullah-Bin-Rashid. He is joined by the Jamalpur Executive Engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Rozdid Ahmed, and a representative from the Public Works Department. The panel has been directed to submit its findings within 10 working days.

Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Yusup Ali confirmed the formation of the committee, noting that the gravity of the reported irregularities necessitated an immediate official response. He stated that the administration would take appropriate measures once the findings are reviewed, emphasizing that the district office is treating the matter with high priority.

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The report, titled “Arbitrary Allocations in Jamalpur, Full Payments for Half-Completed Work,” ignited significant public outcry and debate on social media platforms. Residents and observers have widely shared the findings, with many demanding accountability for the misuse of public funds. Critics highlighted that the report points to systemic theft of state resources during the tenure of the previous interim government, urging authorities to track down the responsible Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs).

Mujahid Billah Faruki, president of the district’s Anti-Corruption Committee, underscored the severity of the allegations, noting that funding non-existent projects or authorizing full payments for incomplete work constitutes clear-cut embezzlement. He warned that failure to hold the responsible parties accountable would set a dangerous precedent, stressing that the evidence presented in the investigative report provides a clear roadmap for auditors and investigators to identify the perpetrators.