Golam Mostofa, Tarash: Serious allegations of corruption and embezzlement have surfaced against Municipal Engineer Md. Mukul Hossain and local contractor Shohag Rana, proprietor of SS Enterprise, over the misappropriation of more than BDT 8.47 crore allocated for infrastructure development in Tarash Municipality.

According to local residents and a recent public opinion survey conducted by the volunteer organization “Amrao Achi Pashe,” most of the development projects listed in official records have no physical existence on the ground. The survey also highlighted widespread public dissatisfaction with the lack of basic civic services, despite years of tax payments.

Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, the interim administration’s Ministry of Local Government dissolved mayoral positions and appointed administrators to municipalities. Taking advantage of this transitional period, Engineer Mukul Hossain allegedly floated a covert tender notice in a lesser-known newspaper, inviting bids for road and drain construction projects worth BDT 8.47 crore. It is alleged that he manipulated the tender process to award all five work packages to Shohag Rana’s SS Enterprise at a 10% less rate, without disclosing package-wise estimated costs in the e-GP system.

The funds were allocated under the Greater Pabna and Bogura District Urban Infrastructure Development Project for FY 2024-2025. However, residents claim that no visible development has taken place. Locals, including shopkeepers and community leaders, report that no drains have been constructed, roads remain waterlogged during rains, and garbage is left unattended in public spaces, including the central Eidgah field.

“Despite paying high municipal taxes, we receive no services. Roads are broken, there is no drainage, and garbage is dumped in front of our shops,” said Ananda Kumar Ghosh, a local shopkeeper. Similar grievances were echoed by other residents and members of the civil society.

Several contractors from Sirajganj district, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the tender process was manipulated. They stated that without disclosing package-wise costs, the entire project was unfairly awarded to one contractor in collusion with the engineer.

When approached, Shohag Rana claimed that signboards were placed at project sites, but on-the-ground investigations found no such evidence. He allegedly tried to pressure the reporter to withhold the story by making an unethical proposal.

Meanwhile, Engineer Mukul Hossain has reportedly begun lobbying for a transfer after his alleged corruption was exposed. Residents and civil society actors are now demanding a thorough investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Golam Mostofa, convener of “Amrao Achi Pashe,” said their field survey and interviews with residents revealed systemic irregularities and corruption in Tarash Municipality. “Many citizens are even demanding the dissolution of the municipality due to its failure to deliver basic services,” he said.

When contacted, Tarash Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Municipal Administrator Nusrat Jahan said she would look into how many roads and drains were supposed to be built under the five packages and take necessary action. Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Aminul Islam, when reached via WhatsApp, said the matter would be verified for authenticity.

Citizens and watchdogs now await concrete action from relevant authorities to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice in the use of public funds.