Tk 27 cr stolen from Bogra uplift projects in 4 years

They said 25,571 tonnes of rice and over Tk 12.13 crore were allocated against 5, 260 development projects in twelve upazilas under Food For Work and other programmes.

It is alleged that at least Tk 27 core have been misappropriated by preparing fake papers and using substandard materials.

Citing examples, the sources said 25 tonnes of rice were allocated for renovation of two kilometer Pakulla-Charkandi road in Sonatola upazila. Twenty-five tonnes of rice were allocated for the project, out of which 22 tonnes were misappropriated by preparing fake papers.

Seventeen tonnes of rice were allocated for repair of one kilometer road in Ghonshaghata area but only two tonnes were utilised and the rest were stolen by showing fake papers, the sources said.

Many of the development projects are yet to be completed but the rice and money sanctioned for them have been drawn by the contractors, most of whom are ruling party men, they said.

The investigation is being done by the respective upazila nirbahi officers, they said.

Letters were sent to all the 12 UNOs from the district administration between July 15 and 20 to probe the alleged misappropriation.

Sources in Sariakandi upazila administration said they have detected misappropriation of about Tk one crore from allocations for construction of Sariakandi Asrayan Prokalpa and some other projects and filed a case with Sariakandi thana. Investigation is going on and more cases could be filed, they said.

Sources in Gabtoli, Dhunot, Kahalu upazila administrations also said they have started t investigation.

District administration sources said almost all the project development committees were headed by local leaders of BNP and its front organisations with recommendations of local Lawmakers and senior party leaders.

The sources said allocations for development projects in Bogra were higher in last financial year compared to previous years. The total allocation was Tk 14, 25, 93000 last year while it was only Tk five crore in 2004-05 financial, they said.