An allegation of corruption has emerged concerning the lease of Balighata Haat in the Panchbibi Municipality of Joypurhat. Many believe that, under the guise of open bidding, the haat was leased to an individual for only Tk2.74 crore, facilitated by a secret transaction of Tk1.5 crore.

Critics have noted that this year, relatively smaller and newer haats in Joypurhat were leased through open bidding for around Tk8 crore, approximately Tk6 crore more than in previous years.

Confidential sources and local complaints suggest a powerful syndicate has worked to retain control of the haat this year. The leaseholder, Abdul Hakim Mondal, obtained the lease for only Tk2.74 crore, while locals contend that the actual market value is at least Tk8 crore. Allegations have surfaced that Tk1.5 crore was paid to secure the lease at such a low price through collusion with the syndicate.

Local residents claim that former Panchbibi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Mahmudul Hasan, Police Station OC Kawsar Ali, and some leaders from two factions of the Upazila BNP unit allegedly benefitted from this arrangement.

The level of corruption was so apparent that shortly after the lease was granted, both the UNO and OC were abruptly transferred. The former UNO is now serving as the executive officer of the Zilla Parishad, while the OC has been reassigned.

Balighata Haat operates twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, with the busiest market held on Tuesdays, when cattle are sold. An average of 5,000 cows and an equal number of goats are bought and sold each Tuesday. The collection fee is Tk550 per cow and Tk250 per goat. Based on calculations, the government should earn at least Tk8 crore annually from this market, yet the lease price was lowered to Tk3.5 crore, raising concerns about corruption.

Despite seven interested parties, only three submitted applications for the haat lease: Panchbibi Upazila BNP President Saiful Islam Dalim, Abdul Hakim Mondal, and Ataur Rahman. In the bidding process, Saiful Islam offered Tk2,73,19,000, while Abdul Hakim bid Tk2,74,11,000, and Ataur Rahman did not place a bid. Consequently, the highest bidder, Abdul Hakim Mondal, secured the lease.

Several individuals, who preferred to remain anonymous, claimed that Abdul Hakim Mondal is a well-known influential figure who previously ran for parliamentary elections as a candidate for the Jatiya Party but was defeated. His brother is an active BNP leader. There are suspicions that he colluded with the former mayor to secure a lease at a reduced price. This time, many believe he obtained the market lease through the support of influential individuals.

Municipal officials, speaking anonymously, reported that of the Tk1.5 crore distributed, former UNO Md Mahmudul Hasan allegedly received Tk45 lakh, while the remaining funds were shared among some BNP leaders and the police station OC.

At the same time that the corruption in Panchbibi came to light, a new haat was leased in Joypurhat city for around Tk8.88 crore through open bidding, which is Tk6.5 crore more than the previous year.

In response, Panchbibi Upazila BNP President Saiful Islam Dalim stated that Abdul Hakim secured the lease as the highest bidder and insisted that there was no syndicate or secret transaction involved.

Former UNO Md Mahmudul Hasan claimed, "The tender for the market was completed according to the rules. I have been transferred, and the allegation of taking Tk45 lakh against me is completely baseless."

Leaseholder Abdul Hakim Mondal remarked, "I obtained the lease of the haat by spending Tk1.5 crore. What is the problem with that?"

Deputy Commissioner Afroza Akhter Chowdhury stated, "I am hearing various complaints regarding the lease of Balighata Haat. Action will be taken after a proper investigation."