Alleged Financial Fraud at Debottar Degree College, Pabna

An internal audit report has uncovered significant financial irregularities and alleged embezzlement worth crores of taka at Debottar Degree College in Atgharia upazila, Pabna, spanning the period from July 2013 to June 2024.

The audit committee alleged that Tk 13,04,230 was embezzled through the connivance of Principal Md. Saidur Rahman and accountant Alamgir Hossain.

Findings include irregularities in vouchers worth Tk 5,00,316, and evidence of Tk 2,60,000 being withdrawn using the same voucher twice.

Accountant Alamgir Hossain is specifically accused of embezzling an additional Tk 8,34,034 and habitually keeping lakhs of cash with himself instead of depositing college income in the bank, violating college management rules.

Principal Saidur Rahman is cited for a "clear violation of government rules" for completing all financial transactions with his sole signature from 2000 to 2015.

A complaint also alleges that approximately half a crore taka was embezzled in the appointment of teachers and employees during the 2022-23 fiscal year, involving the then president and the principal.

The college's governing body has issued a show cause notice to the accused accountant, Alamgir Hossain, demanding a written reply within seven working days.

Alamgir Hossain denied the embezzlement, blaming the audit's findings on the "muddled" accounts resulting from a simultaneous 13-year audit, and requested time to reconcile the figures with transparency.

Principal Saidur Rahman stated he used a single signature for transactions with management committee approval for the sake of running the institution, claiming he was new and unaware of the rules at the time. He denied any corruption but confirmed that action will be taken against the accountant if the show cause reply is unsatisfactory.

The College Governing Body President and Atgharia UNO, Md. Minhajul Islam, confirmed that evidence of irregularities was found, stating the incident is under investigation and administrative action will follow if allegations are proven.

The incident has reportedly caused widespread anger and dissatisfaction among college staff, students, and local guardians, who are demanding a swift investigation and strict punishment for the accused.