In a stark revelation of the pervasive corruption in the district, a top official of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stated that the commission is so inundated with graft allegations in Panchagarh that its officials "are not able to return home before evening."
The grim picture was painted at a day-long public hearing held at the Panchagarh Government Auditorium on Sunday afternoon. The event, organized by the ACC's integrated district office in Thakurgaon in collaboration with the district administration and the District Corruption Prevention Committee, saw a flood of complaints from citizens.
Mian Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi, ACC Commissioner (Investigation), made a powerful address, framing the fight against corruption as a moral imperative. "Our young children risked their lives to remedy corruption and injustice," he stated, underscoring the high stakes involved. He warned that decisive action would be taken against any employee who dares to commit corruption.
Commissioner Azizi elaborated on the dual evil of bribery, stating, "I am violating the rights of others by giving something extra; there are two evils in it. I deprived the one who deserved it. And I auctioned the faith of the person who is engaged in providing this service." He called upon service recipients to uphold ethics and resist the temptation of offering financial benefits for services.
In a sweeping comment on the national corruption landscape, Azizi lamented, "In the past few days, from the head of the government to the head of the judiciary, from the khatib of Baitul Mukarram to the priest of Dhakeshwari temple, everyone was drowning in corruption like a rosary."
Reminding public servants of their duty, he said, "We, who are employees of the republic, also have to be protected. Our salaries are paid with the tax money of the service recipients." He ended with a call for a collective effort, urging everyone to come forward to prevent corruption.
The public hearing, conducted by Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Md. Sabet Ali, proved to be a significant platform for accountability. A total of 181 complaints were filed against 42 government and private institutions in the district. Of these, hearings for 118 complaints were held, with many important cases being resolved on the spot.
In a immediate outcome, the ACC ordered the temporary suspension of two headmasters accused of taking bribes. Abul Hayat Babul, headmaster of Dangapara Government Primary School in Harivasa Union, and Jharen Roy, headmaster of Burirban Government Primary School in Dhakmara Union, were suspended for allegedly taking bribes in the name of appointing night watchmen and office bearers.
The event was chaired by representatives of various government and private organizations. Notable attendees included ACC Director General Akhter Hossain, Police Super Mizanur Rahman Munshi, and District Corruption Prevention Committee President Dr. Khaled Touhid Pulak.
