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In Chougacha, Jessore, serious allegations have surfaced against former mayor Nur Uddin Alam Mamun Himel and his associates for embezzling approximately Tk 150 million in revenue from the local cattle market over the past four years. It is alleged that Himel, in collusion with leaseholder Abidur Rahman and influential leaders from Awami League and BNP, misappropriated these funds. Reports suggest this group is now attempting to regain control of the market.
Investigations reveal that from 2021 to 2024, a total of Tk 124.12 million in revenue remains unpaid to the Chougacha municipality. In 2021, Yamul Ar Rashid Tito leased the market for Tk 56.28 million but owes Tk 26.04 million. In 2022, Shamim Reza, who leased it for Tk 58.50 million, owes Tk 55.12 million. In 2023, Asif Iqbal Bhutto, with a lease of Tk 59.50 million, owes Tk 33.38 million, and in 2024, Mizanur Rahman, who leased it for Tk 80.15 million, owes Tk 9.58 million. Those implicated in the embezzlement include former mayor Himel, Tito, Shamim, Bhutto, Mizanur, Abidur Rahman, and Patibila UP Chairman Ataur Rahman Lal, a prominent BNP leader.
Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, administrators were appointed to replace mayors and councilors. The current administrator, Tasmin Jahan, has initiated efforts to ensure transparency in municipal operations. She started an open tender process for the cattle market for 2025, triggering attempts by Himel’s associates to seize control. Abidur Rahman, backed by BNP leaders, is allegedly pressuring to secure the market lease without a tender. The matter is now under litigation, with the High Court’s next order determining the market’s operations. Until then, all revenue collection will be managed directly by the municipality.
Local contractor Atikur Rahman Lentu accused Himel, Abidur Rahman, and BNP leader Lal of orchestrating the embezzlement. However, Ataur Rahman Lal denied the allegations, claiming he is being falsely implicated due to his ownership of part of the market land. He asserted that any wrongdoing was committed by Awami League members.
Municipal administrator Tasmin Jahan stated that the case regarding the cattle market is ongoing, and further actions will be taken based on the court’s verdict.
AI/MR
