Two BNP leaders have been accused of embezzling Tk3.7 lakh from two schools in Singra upazila of Natore after allegedly taking the money in the name of developing their village.
The incident reportedly occurred recently in Sukash union, drawing criticism from locals after it came to light.
The accused are Abdus Sobhan Nayan, former joint convener of Sukash Union BNP, and Azmal Hossain, former president of Ward 3 BNP in the union, according to local sources.
School authorities and locals said the money came from the lease of 36 bighas of land belonging to Belowa High School and Belowa Government Primary School.
In June, the two schools leased out the land for one year through open bidding after making a public announcement. The leases generated a total of Tk6,71,625.
On June 24, 21 bighas of land belonging to Belowa High School were leased to local farmers for Tk3,77,250. Four days later, 15 bighas of land belonging to Belowa Government Primary School were leased for Tk2,94,375.
School authorities said the leaseholders handed over the money after the auctions. At the time, the two BNP leaders allegedly told those present that the money would be used for the development of Belowa village.
The leaders allegedly took Tk2 lakh from the primary school's lease proceeds and Tk1.7 lakh from the high school's proceeds.
They later allegedly divided the Tk3.7 lakh between themselves, according to the allegations.
The incident has sparked strong resentment among teachers, students and guardians of the two schools.
Belowa High School Headteacher Anwar Hossain said the two BNP leaders used their influence to take Tk1.7 lakh from the school's land-lease proceeds.
He said he informed the higher authorities immediately after the incident.
Belowa Government Primary School Headteacher Masud Rana declined to comment.
However, at least 10 teachers and employees of the two institutions, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident. They said income from leasing school land is used for various development activities of the institutions.
“Nothing like this has happened at either school since its establishment,” they said, calling for intervention by the local MP and the administration.
Former Sukash Union BNP president Akhtaruzzaman and former general secretary Habibur Rahman condemned the alleged incident, saying taking school funds in the name of village development and sharing the money under political influence was “very regrettable.”
They said the incident had triggered anger among the school authorities, local residents and political circles.
Another local BNP leader, Hafizur Rahman, alleged that some former Awami League leaders had joined BNP and were engaging in such activities, damaging the party's image.
However, Abdus Sobhan alias Nayan denied taking any money.
“The school's money is with the people of the village. If you can, publish the news,” he said.
Azmal Hossain claimed that using some school funds for the development of local religious institutions was not wrong. However, he denied having any of the money.
Singra Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdullah Al Rifat said he was aware of the allegation involving Tk3.7 lakh from the land-lease proceeds of the two schools.
“The concerned individuals have been given one week to return the money. Legal action will be taken afterwards,” he said.