Irregularities alleged in Tk5cr slum development project in Jashore

Allegations of irregularities and corruption have surfaced over the implementation of a nearly Tk5 crore slum development project in Manirampur Municipality, with claims that development works are being carried out outside designated slum areas and without the involvement of local beneficiary committees.

According to municipal sources, the allocation was made in 2024 under the Urban Management and Infrastructure Development Project (UMIDP) to implement five development schemes in the Mahadevpur Daspara, Durgapur Mahaldarpara, Taherpur Mandalpara, Juranpur and Bijoyrampur areas. The projects under the LINIC initiative are scheduled to be completed in five phases.

The project guidelines require the works to be implemented under the direct supervision of five 11-member LINIC committees, each headed by a local woman, with a municipal employee serving as member secretary.

Several committee members, including Bijoyrampur Chairperson Beauty Begum and Juranpur Chairperson Papia Sultana, said a contractor known as "Tapu Bhai" was carrying out all the project work, claiming they were not involved in project implementation. 

Shirina Khatun, member secretary of the Bijoyrampur LINIC Committee and a senior municipal assistant, said she was aware of the project only on paper and had no practical involvement. Many alleged that roads were constructed instead of the approved RCC drains and footpaths, while poor-quality construction materials were used.

When contacted, municipal Executive Assistant Tapu and Mahadevpur LINIC Committee member secretary SM Abdur Rashid said denied the allegations and said the works were being carried out in accordance with project rules. Monirampur Municipality Executive Engineer Uttam Majumder also denied any irregularities.

Meanwhile, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Samrat Hossain, who is serving as the municipality's administrator, confirmed that Tk1.21 crore had already been withdrawn from the LINIC committees' joint accounts in two instalments after completion of part of the work. He added that the allegations would be investigated and appropriate action would be taken if any irregularities or corruption were found.