Kabikha, Kabita projects : No project clearance in Gosairhat without Tk 15,000 bribe per lakh
Biplob Hossain, Shariatpur Sadar
Widespread corruption have been alleged in project implementation under the ‘Kabikha’ and ‘Kabita’ programmes in Gosairhat upazila in Shariatpur for the 2024–25 fiscal year.
According to sources, no project moves forward without paying bribes to the office of the Project Implementation Officer (PIO).
Government data shows that more than Tk 1.26 crore in cash has been allocated for development works in Gosairhat this year.
Additional allocations of wheat and rice bring the total estimated cost at Tk 1.47 crore.
However, sources claim that a significant portion of this project is being misappropriated through systemic corruption.
Local Union Parishad members and project chairmen alleged that Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000 must be paid in bribes for every Tk 1 lakh of project allocation. One UP member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “You have to pay first, or your project file doesn’t move forward.
Local Union Parishad members and project chairmen alleged that Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000 must be paid in bribes for every Tk 1 lakh of project allocation. One UP member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “You have to pay first, or your project file doesn’t move forward.
Rustam Sardar, a member of the Kuchai Patree Union Parishad, claimed that 15 percent of his project's funds were withheld. He named office assistants Sajal Saha and Badiar Rahman as being involved in the process.
In Pachkathi village under Nolmuri Union, a road construction project was allocated Tk 3.05 lakh. But locals allege no work has taken place. “Not a single scoop of soil has been laid,” said resident Dulal Akon.
When approached, local UP member Siddiqur Rahman Dhali said, “I filled a canal in that area,” without elaborating further.
Similar claims have surfaced regarding a project to fill the playground of Charmonpura Emraniya Noorani Madrasa. “We received Tk 3 lakh for the project, but had to pay Tk 50,000 to the office,” said project chairman Sobahan Baburchi.
Some public representatives have also been accused of extracting money from project beneficiaries. UP member Faruk allegedly took between Tk 30,000 and Tk 40,000 from a local named Siyyam Hawlader.
Contacted for comment, Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Iqbal Kabir declined to respond in detail, saying, “I’m busy right now. Please come to the office later.”
UNO Ahmed Sabbir Sazzad said, “We have not received any written complaints. If a formal complaint is submitted, we will investigate and take appropriate action.”
If the alleged 15% bribe was collected across all projects, nearly Tk 27.75 lakh remains unaccounted for. authorities have yet to clarify who received the funds or how they were used.
