Staff Correpondent

A human chain and protest rally were held in Sylhet on Thursday, demanding transparency in the financial management of the shrine and dargah of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and the reinstatement of former Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Sarower Alam.

The programme, organised by a platform named Unified Sylhet, took place at the historic Court Point in the city.

The rally was presided over by politician and Hefazat leader Maulana Rezaul Karim Jalali, while HMQ Mainul Islam Ashrafi, founder and chairman of Sylhet Foundation Bangladesh, conducted the event.

Speakers at the rally said Sarower Alam had taken several initiatives to ensure transparency and accountability in the development and administrative activities of Sylhet. They said one of his key initiatives was to make public the income and expenditure accounts of the shrine and dargah of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA).

According to the speakers, concerns over the lack of transparency in the shrine's fund management have existed for a long time, but no effective measures had previously been taken. They alleged that Sarower Alam's efforts affected the interests of certain groups and led to his removal.

The speakers urged the authorities to continue the transparency initiatives and ensure that no individual or group can misuse funds through corruption or irregularities.

They also called on the government to reappoint Md Sarower Alam as Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet in the interest of the district and the continuation of the transparency programme.

Participants chanted slogans and demanded the publication of a full account of the shrine's income and expenditure as well as transparent management of its affairs.