Money Vanishes from Women’s Development Forum Projects in Naogaon

In the Mandah Upazila of Naogaon, allegations have been raised about the embezzlement of 10 lakh taka allocated for two projects under the Women's Development Forum. Although the work for these projects is shown as completed in the paperwork, none of the forum's members were aware of the allocation, and no materials were distributed to them. This has sparked criticism across the upazila.

A field investigation revealed that none of the 42 members of the Women's Development Forum received any materials from these two projects. They were also unaware of the allocation itself. They expressed surprise at where and to whom the funds were distributed.

On Monday (25 November), the members of the Women's Development Forum orally complained to the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), Akhtar Jahan Sathi. The complaint was led by Preeti Rani, a female member of the Nurullabad Union Parishad.

She said, "We heard that 10 lakh taka was allocated for two projects under the Women's Development Forum. However, we were not informed about this. We have filed an oral complaint with the UNO sir regarding who misappropriated this money."

It was revealed that under the Annual Development Program (ADP) for the fiscal year 2024-25, two important projects for women's development had been allocated 10 lakh taka. This included 5 lakh taka for the distribution of sewing machines and 5 lakh taka for the distribution of livestock.

These two projects were included in the LGED's list as projects number 148 and 149 and were approved in the Upazila Parishad meeting in November 2024, according to the documents.

Komla Begum, General Secretary of the Women's Development Forum and a member of Paranpur Union Parishad, said, "Nothing has been given through the Women's Development Forum for the fiscal year 2024-25. We were not even informed about the allocation."

Angura and Sanoara Begum, female members of Kashba Union, said, "Since August 5, the activities of the Women's Forum have been halted due to the absence of a president. We know nothing about any allocations or distributions. We need an investigation to find out who has taken advantage of the funds allocated in our names."

When asked, the Upazila Engineer, Abu Sayed, replied, "The work was completed before I joined. I am unaware of whether the sewing machines and livestock were distributed."

Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Akhtar Jahan Sathi said, "Members of the Women's Development Forum have alleged that 10 lakh taka allocated for two projects was embezzled. The Women's Development Forum ceased to exist after August 5 last year, so it is impossible that any allocation was made for this organization. However, the matter will be investigated, and necessary action will be taken."

Khaborwala/SS