Transfer of auditor Yunus Ali on charges of bribery-commission trade and politics in Pabna

Tofazzal Hossain, Pabna: The auditor of Bhangura Upazila Accounts Office of Pabna, Yunus Ali, has been transferred after being accused of bribery, taking commissions and being directly involved in politics. This information has been disclosed in a letter dated 26 July 2022 signed by the Audit and Accounts Officer of Divisional Control of Accounts, Rajshahi. He has been transferred to DFO Pabna. Asked to join new workplace on next 31st. Earlier there were allegations of widespread irregularities and corruption against him in Bhangura upazila. Complaints of the victims, office auditor Yunus does not take any file without commission. He cashes the check only after paying certain commission. Or he withholds the checks on various pretexts. Accused Yunuch is a resident of Chatmohar Upazila in Pabna and also General Secretary of Gunaigacha Union Awami League. Gunaigacha Union Awami League President and former (UP) Chairman Md. Confirming the authenticity of Nurul Islam Auditor Yunus Ali's party designation, he said that Yunus Ali has been serving as the general secretary of the party for almost 6 years. According to related sources, Bhangura upazila accounting office auditor said. Yunus Ali joined Bhangura office in October 2020. Before this he was working in Pabna Bara Upazila. After he joined Bhangura upazila, he got involved in widespread irregularities and corruption. An official, who did not wish to be named, said that Auditor Yunus Ali does not sign anything including the opening of GPF account numbers, salary determination, outstanding bills, GPA final bills without a hefty sum of money. Being a government official, he does not care about anyone to become the party leader of Awami League. He is forced to pay commission. According to the victims, Yunus Ali, the auditor of the accounts office, had to pay a bribe of up to 5 percent against each cheque. If not, do not release the check. If not contracted, he has to go back and forth month after month. Especially in the case of government bills, TADA for officers, pension benefits of retired officers and employees etc., they do nothing without money. It is alleged that the auditor worked on the files of the census workers of the Upazila Statistics Office after taking 5% extortion in the cases of withdrawal of allowance, health complex bill, education office bill, election officer's bill etc. Abdus Salam, a resident of Masterpara Mohalla of Bhangura municipality and upazila sub-assistant animal resource officer (retd) said that after being harassed to get retirement allowance, gratuity and provident fund money, he was forced to pay him 1 lakh 15 thousand according to the demand of that auditor Yunus Ali. Then he did his job. Then he gets retirement benefits. When asked about this, the accused Yunus Ali admitted the fact of being in the party position and said that if the file is checked according to the rules, many bills will be reduced. But the concerned persons demanded the full bill. He had a conflict with many office heads over this. As a result, he claimed that false propaganda was carried out against him. Asked about joining a political party as a civil servant, he said, "Though I am in office, I am now inactive at the request of the local MP". Upazila Accounting Officer Md Azizul Islam said that many people may have complaints against the auditors, but if a specific written complaint is received against anyone, it will be forwarded to the higher authorities. When asked about the party title of auditor Yunus Ali, he told Samakal that the acceptance of political party title by government employees is completely against the conduct of government employees. Therefore, if its documentary evidence is submitted to the authorities, departmental punishment will be imposed on him. Regarding the transfer of Auditor Yunus Ali, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Nahid Hasan Khan said that a letter regarding the transfer has been received and he has been asked to join the post on July 31, 2022. Various government office heads of the upazila and retired teachers, officials and employees have demanded a proper investigation of the allegations brought against the auditor immediately.