Imams in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur have alleged corruption, irregularities, and misbehavior by two municipal officials and demanded their removal.
The allegations were raised at a press conference organised by the Boalmari Upazila Imam-Muazzin Parishad on Thursday afternoon in Ward No. 6 of the municipality.
The accusations were directed against Municipal Secretary Md. Moniruzzaman Sikder and Executive Engineer Shafiqur Rahman.
Speaking at the press conference, Parishad president and Boalmari Central Jame Mosque imam, Maulana Hossain Ahmad, said imams have faced delays and harassment in receiving annual financial assistance provided by the municipality ahead of Eid.
He said previous municipal authorities regularly provided small honorariums to imams and muazzins of mosques within the municipality. Although the current administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Rakibul Hasan continued the practice, the secretary and executive engineer allegedly created obstacles in releasing the funds.
He also alleged that officials made unnecessary delays and discouraging remarks regarding future payments. The Parishad demanded their immediate removal.
Former councillor A.S. Samad Khan, an adviser to the Parishad, also raised allegations of financial irregularities. He claimed that mosquito control materials purchased for Tk 6 lakh were billed at Tk 13 lakh.
He further alleged that project files do not proceed without unofficial payments and accused the officials of abusing their authority in the absence of elected representatives.
He warned of a stronger movement if action is not taken after Eid.
Around 50 to 60 imams from different mosques in the municipality attended the press conference.
Officials respond
Executive Engineer Shafiqur Rahman denied direct involvement, saying the matter is handled by the municipal secretary and accounts section.
Municipal Administrator and UNO SM Rakibul Hasan said he had already issued instructions to release the honorariums promptly after receiving applications from the imams, adding that there should be no delay.
