A serious allegation has raised against Barishal Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Delwar Hossain, accusing him of deliberately withholding approval of the ad-hoc committee for Madhabpasha Chandradwip High School and College for over five months. According to a complaint, the delay was allegedly caused by the school’s refusal to provide Tk 5 lakh as donation to the DC’s development fund. The matter is currently under investigation by the Cabinet Division. Secretary of the ministry Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid confirms the matter to Daily Industry.
The institution, located at Durgasagar Dighi in Babuganj upazila and nearly a century old, is said to be facing serious disruptions in its academic activities due to the prolonged absence of a valid management committee. Local residents, including parents and members of civil society, have raised voice that the issue could soon spark protests, processions, or even road blockades, they said to Daily Industry.
According to a complaint submitted by Md. Mizanur Rahman, the Ministry of Public Administration's Discipline and Investigation Division is inquiring the issue. The school authority applied for the formation of an ad-hoc committee on January 2, proposing 3 names, according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Education. The DC has assigned Babuganj UNO Faruk Ahmed for the formation a committee.
He then proposes three names with the consent of local public teachers, student guardians and civil society leaders. The proposed three names are: Md. Mizanur Rahman, Md. Rafiqul Islam, and Rafiqul Islam. Generally, the first name to be chosen for the president. Mizanur Rahman, listed first, was expecting to be approved as per the Ministry circular.
However, acting principal Jiban Krishna Bepari stated, “As per the Ministry’s circular, the individual listed first must be certified by the Deputy Commissioner. But the DC has unlawfully held the file for over five months with him.”
Mizanur Rahman further alleged that during a meeting with the DC in February, he was asked to revise the list, placing the second candidate in the first position. In late March, the DC informed him that a complaint had been lodged against Mizanur Rahman and that approval would be withheld until it would be settled.
On April 24, the DC reportedly asked the complainant to appear with evidence within three days. When the complainant failed to do so, the matter was re-investigated by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Upama Farisa, who concluded that Mizanur Rahman has no fault.
Mizanur Rahman further alleged that during a meeting on April 29, the DC explicitly told him that his name would be approved only if he donates Tk 5 lakh to the development fund. When he refused and protested, the DC said, “I will decide whom to approve. The second candidate will be selected instead of first name.”
When contacted by phone, DC of Barishal Mohammad Delwar Hossain said, “I asked the principal to resubmit the application with a fresh name. If a donation is made to the development fund, approval may be given.” Regarding the delay, he added, “There are two opposing groups. The delay was to maintain the academic environment,” before ending the call.
According to official memo no. 1447 dated May 24 from the Ministry of Public Administration’s Discipline and Investigation Wing, the matter is currently under review at the Cabinet Secretary’s office. When contacted, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid said, “If the allegations are proven, stern action will be taken.
