Allegations of corruption in packaged TCB products

Accused Shahidul Islam office assistant

An alarming case of embezzlement has surfaced in Thakurgaon District Administrator's office, involving an office assistant, Shahidul Islam, who is accused of misappropriating funds from the packaging of Thakurgaon District's TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh) products. The accusations were brought to light by concerned dealers who reported the matter to Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Soleman Ali on March 6, 2024.

TCB products, including essential items like rice, pulses, and oil, are distributed at affordable prices to low-income individuals through sixty-one authorized dealers in Thakurgaon district. However, it has been alleged that Shahidul Islam and another individual, Mintu, collected funds improperly from these dealers, ostensibly for packaging and labor costs.

According to the dealers, Shahidul and Mintu collected one taka from each dealer for packaging TCB products and an additional one taka for labor wages, totaling 92,688 taka from dealers over seven months. The accused individuals reportedly amassed a total of 10 lakh rupees from the dealers. The dealers further complained that if they resisted payment, they faced pressure, including threats to block their vehicles.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Soleman Ali sent a letter to the TCB camp office in Dinajpur, reporting expenses of 3,97,332 rupees for packaging and unloading. However, the discrepancy arises as the amount collected from dealers far exceeds the reported expenses.

Dealers Subrata Sarkar, Saiful Islam, Anwar Hossain, and Roknuzzaman Sahedi have lodged complaints against Shahidul Islam, claiming that the accused misled them about the actual costs involved in packaging and labor. They expressed their grievances to the Additional Deputy Commissioner and were assured that appropriate action would be taken to recover the funds.

Shahidul Islam initially denied the allegations but later admitted to the money withdrawal, asserting that the Deputy Commissioner was aware of the transactions. However, he claimed he was in charge for only a few months, not the reported seven months, and insisted that he did not act alone.

Thakurgaon Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Soleman Ali has stated that TCB was unaware of the money collection for product packaging. A written complaint has been submitted, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to address the issue.

It is noteworthy that Shahidul Islam has faced prior accusations of fraudulent activities, including misleading villagers, acquiring land at lower prices, and selling it at inflated rates to government projects. A case is pending against him in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The allegations of embezzlement in the packaging of TCB products are serious and require immediate attention. The investigation should determine the accuracy of the claims and, if substantiated, appropriate legal action must be taken against the accused individuals. This incident underscores the need for increased scrutiny and transparency in financial transactions related to essential goods distribution to prevent such occurrences in the future.