16 of 18 ADP projects controlled by MP’s nephew

Allegations have emerged against Masud Rana – nephew of Dr. Abdus Salam, MP for Thakurgaon-2, and joint general secretary of Haripur Upazila BNP – of embezzling roughly 45 lakh taka from Project Implementation Committee (PIC) projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP). He is accused of using his influence to take control of most projects and withdrawing allocated funds before any work even began.

Of 18 ADP-funded projects underway in Haripur Upazila, Thakurgaon, Masud Rana serves as member-secretary for 16.

It’s alleged that roughly 45 lakh taka was withdrawn from these projects before work started, with checks issued in the names of project chairmen who then withdrew the money and handed control back to Rana.

Multiple project chairmen said they know nothing about the project’s work, allocation, or implementation, and aren’t even aware which specific work LGED (Local Government Engineering Department) has recorded against which project.

Mashiur Rahman, a Union Parishad member from Dangipara Union and chairman of three projects, said he was only told he’s the chairman while the project money remains with Masud Rana – when he asked, he was told trees would be planted and antivenom would be supplied to hospitals, but he knows nothing beyond that, and was instructed to tell journalists only this much if asked. Abdul Karim, UP member from Amgaon Union and a project chairman, said he withdrew the money from the bank and handed it to “Masud bhai,” with the understanding that the work would get done.

Multiple project chairmen shared similar complaints – money was withdrawn through them, but they were given no information about the project names, work, or implementation, only being told the work would happen.

Haripur Upazila BNP President Jamal Uddin said that government allocations in Haripur are being looted, describing it as an “uncle-nephew syndicate” at work. He named the upazila engineer and sub-assistant engineer Rakib as key figures behind these irregularities, alleging that lakhs of taka in government funds are being plundered through their collusion, with Masud Rana using the MP’s name to carry this out – damaging the image of the party and government. He said they’ve informed senior party leadership about the matter.

Multiple attempts to reach Masud Rana by phone for his comment went unanswered, and he could not be found at his residence either.

Haripur Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Chandan Kar said that if reports of irregularities are received, officials will visit the site, properly verify the project work, and take necessary action if the allegations are found to be true.

The incident has sparked anger among locals, who are demanding an impartial investigation into whether project funds were properly spent and into the embezzlement allegations.