Shahidul Islam Sohel, Sylhet 

Three large copper vats (deg) and two donation boxes at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (Rha.) in Sylhet were opened for the fifth time on Saturday morning.

The collection boxes and vats were unlocked at around 9:30 am after an interval of approximately 35 days. Official counting of the donations commenced at 10:00 am under the supervision of an executive magistrate and in the presence of responsible representatives from the district administration, police administration, and the shrine management committee.

Previously, the shrine's donation boxes and vats were opened for the fourth time on September 19. Breaking long-standing tradition, open public counting of the shrine’s donations was initiated for the first time on June 22. Over the subsequent rounds on July 11, August 15, and September 19, a total of over Tk 2.29 crore in cash was accumulated.

Authorities expect the donation figures to increase this cycle due to a surge in pilgrims, visitors, and devotees during the extended Durga Puja holidays. The final financial total will be officially announced upon the completion of the counting process.

Meanwhile, a committee meeting held on September 23 decided to institutionalize regular counting to ensure transparency and accountability in the shrine's financial management. Under the decision of the committee formed under the leadership of Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, 35 percent of the donated funds will be allocated for the shrine's development projects, while the remaining 65 percent will cover daily operational expenditures and staff salaries and allowances.

Stakeholders expressed hope that regular counting and structured fund allocation will further strengthen financial accountability in the administration of the shrine.