Gaibandha Correspondent

Serious allegations of corruption, irregularities, and the embezzlement of millions of taka over the past 17 years have been raised against the voluntary organization Gram Unnayan O Dusta Seba Kendra (GOODSEC) in Sadullapur, Gaibandha.

The organization’s founding member, Md. Abdus Samad Akand, has demanded exemplary punishment for those involved and the dissolution of the current committee.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Gaibandha Press Club on Saturday, Akand urged the administration and relevant authorities to take immediate action regarding the matter.

According to the press conference, GOODSEC was established in 1986 at Borojamalpur village under Jamalpur Union of Sadullapur Upazila with the aim of promoting social development and supporting underprivileged people. Of the five founding members, only Md. Abdus Samad Akand and Khandaker Zillur Rahman are currently alive. From its establishment until 1997, the organization reportedly implemented various development projects with support from government and international agencies.

It was alleged that in 1997, Jahangir Alam Fakir, then President of Jamalpur Union Awami League, took control of the organization and began misappropriating its assets. Under his leadership, trees were sold, land was mortgaged, ponds were leased out, buildings were rented, and funds were allegedly embezzled.

Similar allegations of corruption and financial misconduct were also made against former President Shahabuddin (Moskut) and General Secretary Emdadul Haque Mondal during the period from 2001 to 2006.

The press conference further alleged that between 2007 and 2023, several individuals, including Jahangir Fakir, Abdus Salam Sarkar, Mamun Mondal, Solaiman Mondal, Jannati Akter, Rozy Begum, Lipon Mondal, and Fazlul Haque, embezzled large sums of money through the sale of remaining trees, leasing of land and ponds, rental of office buildings, and the sale of soil from the organization’s property.

It was also claimed that despite previous allegations, the Department of Social Services approved a new committee on April 8, 2025, retaining the names of controversial individuals. The current committee, led by President Mamun Mondal and General Secretary and BNP leader Abdus Salam Sarkar, has allegedly continued the misuse of the organization’s assets and funds.

According to the statement presented at the press conference, following the political changes of August 5, Jahangir Fakir left the area, and founding member Abdus Samad Akand took responsibility for overseeing the organization’s remaining assets for one year. During this period, he claimed that no assets were leased, mortgaged, or otherwise transferred.

The founding members alleged that GOODSEC has witnessed no visible development over the last 17 years. They claimed that the organization failed to create employment opportunities for unemployed youth or implement meaningful welfare activities. Instead, its assets were allegedly used for personal gain, causing significant financial losses.

Among those present at the press conference were local well-wishers and residents, including Raju Mondal, Shahidul Islam, Daraj Akand, Enarul Sarkar, Riku Mondal, Anarul Islam, and others.