Khorshed Alam, Sherpur

Allegations of financial embezzlement have surfaced against Janakipur Darul Ulum Qawmi Madrasa and Mohammadia Orphanage in Nakla Upazila under Sherpur district for withdrawing government allocations despite having no orphans on campus.

According to available information, the institution draws approximately Tk 1.92 lakh in government funds every six months. Official records from the Upazila Social Services Office and the madrasa list 16 orphans and underprivileged children as beneficiaries.

However, an on-the-spot investigation revealed that both parents of at least four children on the official list are alive. Furthermore, several of these students reportedly pay a monthly tuition fee of Tk 300 to study at the madrasa.

When an investigator visited the orphanage to review student registers, official beneficiary lists, expense vouchers, and resolution logs, Office Assistant Shah Md. Omar Faruk declined to present the documents, stating he was on leave.

Local residents alleged that names of non-eligible children—including children of managing committee members—have been fraudulently included on the government allocation list in place of actual orphans and underprivileged individuals.

Locals noted that the institution was once well-managed with a substantial student body, but gross mismanagement and irregularities by the current managing committee have pushed it to the brink of collapse.

"There are virtually no orphans left at the madrasa," said Abdul Kadir, a local guardian. "Yet, government funds of nearly Tk 2 lakh are being withdrawn every six months."

When contacted over the phone regarding the allegations, Shamim Farazi, President of the Janakipur Darul Ulum Qawmi Madrasa and Mohammadia Orphanage Managing Committee, said, "Allocations for orphans are issued based on official documentation. What can we do if there are no orphans in reality?"

Addressing the matter, Nakla Upazila Social Services Officer Ruman Hasan stated, "The list submitted to us by the madrasa contains the names of 16 orphans and underprivileged children.

However, the issue regarding the absence of orphans has come to our notice through journalists. We will verify the truth of the allegations and take necessary measures."