MP denies taking funds, says money went to development

The administrator of Cumilla Zilla Parishad has accused National People's Party (NCP) MP Hasnat Abdullah and former adviser Asif Mahmud of widespread irregularities. Haji Md Mostak Mia alleged that under the guise of "coordinators," Mahmud took Tk 15 crore for Muradnagar and Abdullah took Tk 10 crore for Debidwar from the Cumilla Zilla Parishad during the interim government's tenure. The accusations were made at an event marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former president Ziaur Rahman. Hasnat Abdullah has vehemently denied the claims, asserting that the funds were allocated for development projects in Debidwar upazila. He explained that the money was a special allocation from the Local Government Division, managed and disbursed through the zilla parishad, and not transferred to him personally. Abdullah also stated that the administrator later modified his comments, clarifying that the funds were for development works and not embezzled. According to Abdullah, the administrator said the money went to his area through the zilla parishad for development. Local sources indicate Mostak Mia is also a BNP organizing secretary. Abdullah further specified that Tk 5 crore was allocated for 42 development works in Debidwar through ADP projects, distinct from the zilla parishad's revenue fund, criticizing the administrator for creating a misleading impression of personal gain.

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Under the name of ‘coordinators’, former adviser Asif Mahmud took Tk 15 crore to Muradnagar and Hasnat Abdullah took Tk 10 crore to Debidwar from the Comilla Zilla Parishad during the tenure of the interim government.