How MP Selun manipulated public projects for personal gain
NN Investigation :
Former lawmaker Solaiman Haque Joarder, known locally as Selun MP or MP Joarder, faces serious allegations of corruption, project mismanagement, money laundering, land encroachment, and misuse of political power.
An investigation conducted by The New Nation’s Crime & Investigation Unit, “30 Minutes,” from September 6 to 10, 2024, in Alamdanga and Chuadanga Sadar Upazila revealed disturbing claims about Joarder’s alleged influence over local government institutions and public projects.
In Alamdanga and Chuadanga, Joarder has reportedly extended his control across various sectors, often working through close family and political allies, including his elder brother Reajul Islam Joarder Toton, a former mayor and Chuadanga Awami League leader; his nephew Noim Hasan Joarder, a former Jubo League official and the current General Secretary of the Chuadanga District
Sports Association; and other local figures with affiliations to the Awami League.
These connections allegedly enable Joarder to secure government contracts for family and associates, which has raised concerns over transparency and accountability.
Local residents told The New Nation that Joarder, with support from Toton and other family members, wield extensive control over government projects.
A postmaster from the Chuadanga Head Post Office revealed that an administrative building project, initially budgeted at approximately Tk. 7 crore, was mismanaged, with oversight handed to a former Awami League official before its completion.
Locals confirmed that most government contracts are awarded to Joarder’s family members and close associates, raising concerns about accountability.
The investigation also spotlighted the Chuadanga Diabetic Association, led by Toton, which reportedly lacks valid licenses, with only a nominal online application submitted for the fiscal year 2022-23.
During an inspection, The New Nation team found the ECG and ultrasound rooms in disrepair, resembling storage areas rather than functioning facilities.
The Chief Accountant of the association noted that management had not prioritized registration, resulting in operational deficiencies.
Community members in Alamdanga also expressed concerns about the local political climate.
They reported a hostile environment, allegedly perpetuated by Abdullah Al Hossain Badsha, a former student leader and close ally of Joarder. Residents claimed a pattern of intimidation and harassment against female students and political opposition members.
Chuadanga District BNP Convener Sharifuzzaman criticised Joarder for allegedly occupying land unlawfully and neglecting essential infrastructure, pointing to the absence of a bypass road as an example of unmet community needs.
He highlighted that despite Joarder’s four terms in office; local services have seen minimal improvement, forcing residents to seek care outside the district.
In sports governance, reports suggest that Noim Hasan Joarder, former Jubo League convener and Sports Association leader has exploited DSA facilities for personal purposes.
A cricket coach The New Nation that illicit activities were taking place within the DSA premises with Joarder’s knowledge, though he reportedly took no action.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zahirul Islam, who recently assumed office, acknowledged complaints related to the Chuadanga Flyover project and assured the public that he is monitoring the situation, pledging prompt action.
In response to the allegations, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into Joarder’s activities, focusing on money laundering and irregularities in public projects.
Recently, the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court issued a travel ban on Joarder and his wife, Aktari Joarder, in light of concerns about significant wealth accumulation.
These ongoing investigations have sparked widespread concern among Chuadanga residents, who are calling for transparency and accountability to ensure that public resources benefit the entire community.