TMSS, BCL Group’s commercial activities raise question
Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS), a well-known name in Bangladesh’s NGO sector, particularly in the northern region, began its journey in 1964 with welfare-oriented activities aimed at supporting underprivileged and disadvantaged people.
The organization is currently led by Executive Director Professor Dr. Hosne-Ara Begum, who is recognized as one of the country’s prominent social workers.
Initially, TMSS started its operations by collecting small amounts of rice to assist impoverished women.
Over time, with support from local and international donor agencies, the organization grew into one of the country’s largest non-governmental development organizations.
Through its various initiatives, TMSS has created employment opportunities for thousands of people and provided services to millions across the country. The organization has also established educational and healthcare institutions, including schools, colleges, medical colleges, and hospitals.
However, alongside its welfare activities, questions and discussions have emerged locally regarding the expansion of business operations linked to TMSS. According to sources, a business entity named Building Construction Limited (BCL) was established in 2005, which later evolved into what is now known as the BCL Group. The company’s Managing Director is TM Ali Haider.
According to Professor Dr. Hosne-Ara Begum, BCL operates as a donor organization for TMSS, and a portion of its income is utilized to support various welfare activities of the NGO. She also stated that the business operations have not been performing as expected, limiting the level of financial support they can provide.
Local sources claim that the BCL Group is currently involved in nearly 24 business ventures. These reportedly include BCL Aviation Limited, the five-star hotel and resort “Momo Inn,” paper mills, board mills, ceramic industries, beauty care salons and spas, ready-mix concrete, brick manufacturing, CNG and gasoline stations, mineral water production, glass industries, cold storage facilities, property development, fluid systems, superstores, food and beverage businesses, footwear manufacturing, trading operations, and both local and international commerce-related enterprises.
Sarwar Babu, Additional Managing Director of BCL Group, said, “BCL Group is directly affiliated with TMSS as one of its sister concerns. TMSS holds shares in the company, and several projects are also financed through bank loans.”
Regarding the matter, Md. Ataur Rahman, Assistant Director of the Bogura District Social Services Office, stated, “TMSS is a voluntary organization. If any allegations of unethical activities are proven, legal action will be taken under the country’s existing laws. However, voluntary organizations are not permitted to be directly involved in commercial business activities.”
Fazle Rabbi Dollar, Acting General Secretary of the Bogura District unit of the Bangladesh Environment Protection Committee, said, “A non-profit organization engaging simultaneously in profit-oriented commercial activities may create a conflict in principle.”
Local resident Abul Kalam Azad alleged that the financial capacity of TMSS is being used to build a private business empire.
However, neither TMSS nor the BCL Group has officially admitted to any allegations of wrongdoing.
