The accused, Mobarak Hossain, is an office assistant at the Pabna District Social Service Office. He has been working in that position since 2018. His home is in the Ranigram area of Bera Upazila in Pabna.
The victim, Shakil Khan, filed a written complaint with the Director of the Rajshahi Divisional Social Service Office on June 20. Based on the complaint, the then Social Service Officer of Bera Upazila, Motalab Sarkar, investigated and sent a report to the divisional office. The report stated that preliminary truth of the allegation was found.
The complaint alleges that in 2022, taking advantage of being a neighbor, Mobarak Hossain collected the national identity card and photo of Shakil Khan's wife, Lipi Khatun. Later, when they went to open a new bank account for family needs, they learned that an account had already been opened in Lipi Khatun's name at the Nagarbari Ghat branch of Rupali Bank.
According to the bank account information, on September 5, 2023, 50,000 taka was deposited into that account as a government grant. Two days later, on September 7, the entire amount was withdrawn from the Pabna Corporate Branch of Rupali Bank. The complaint claims that the checkbook for that account was under the control of the accused.
Later, after inquiring at the Social Service Office, Shakil Khan learned that his completely healthy wife had been shown as a cancer patient in the documents to obtain approval for a special grant from the Department of Social Services.
Shakil Khan said, "I am not educated. Taking advantage of being an acquaintance, Mobarak took my wife's national identity card and photo. Later, I learned that my healthy wife was shown as a cancer patient on paper and the government grant money was withdrawn."
The report sent by investigating officer Motalab Sarkar included documents of the withdrawal of grant money in Lipi Khatun's name. At the same time, the report mentioned that similar allegations had been made against the accused before.
Several locals allege that Mobarak Hossain used to collect 20,000 to 25,000 taka in the name of arranging government grant checks for patients suffering from cancer, kidney disease, and liver cirrhosis. Additionally, there are allegations of creating fake medical documents in the names of healthy individuals, opening bank accounts without their knowledge, and embezzling government money.
A resident of Ranigram, Kamrul Islam, claims that in 2022, Mobarak Hossain took 20,000 taka from him to release a grant of 50,000 taka allocated for his cancer-stricken father.
Hasi Akhter from the same village alleged that although she was promised a grant for her cancer-stricken husband, she did not receive any money. However, she claims that a government grant was withdrawn in the name of her brother-in-law.
However, Mobarak Hossain denied all allegations. He said, "I am not involved in these activities. A conspiracy is being hatched by a malicious group to harass me." Later, without making any further comments on the matter, he disconnected the phone.
Deputy Director of Pabna District Social Service Office, Abdul Kader, said no complaints were received regarding grant distribution in the current fiscal year. Grants are approved through verification by a committee formed with representatives from the District Commissioner, Civil Surgeon, and Social Service Department, and the money is sent directly to the beneficiary's bank account. He said an office assistant does not have the opportunity to approve grants alone.
When asked about the investigation report, he said it would be looked into how the matter came to the media.
The newly appointed officer of Bera Upazila Social Service Office, Sirajul Islam, said he has just taken charge. He will be able to provide details on the matter after reviewing the necessary documents.
Pabna District Commissioner Aminul Islam said the complaint has come to his notice. He has ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations of irregularities in the distribution of government grants and necessary legal action.
