Special Correspondent: A serious allegation has been raised ‌ ABM Faruk Hasan, known locally as “Kath Faruk,” Chairman of Ward No. 5 of Mathbaria Sadar Union Parishad in Mathbaria Upazila of Pirojpur district, accusing him of obtaining government grants in the name of a non-existent orphanage.

According to complaint documents and local administrative sources, a preliminary field inspection found no trace of an orphanage, children’s home, Hifzkhana, or madrasa at the address listed under the institution allegedly used for receiving government funds. The matter is now under official investigation.

The complainant, Md. Jakir Hossain, submitted a written allegation to the concerned authorities stating that government allocations under the Ministry of Social Welfare were repeatedly collected using an institution named “Faruk Hasan Shishu Sadan (Orphanage) and Hifzkhana,” located in Ward No. 2 of Mathbaria Sadar Union.

He alleged that although the institution is listed in official records, no such orphanage exists at the given location and no orphaned children reside there. According to him, the institution appears to exist only on paper and was used to access government funds.

The complaint further states that for the fiscal year 2025–2026, a government grant of Tk 120,000 was allocated for the six-month period from July to December 2025 under the programme for private orphanages and children’s homes. The complainant claims that the funds were disbursed despite the absence of any functional institution on the ground.

Local residents also reported that they have never seen any operational orphanage or children’s facility under the said name in the area. Several locals said that while various educational and religious institutions exist nearby, no registered or functioning orphanage matching the description has ever been observed.

Following the allegations, Mathbaria Assistant Commissioner (Land) Sudipta Debnath conducted a field visit on June 8. Sources involved in the inspection said that no physical existence of “Faruk Hasan Shishu Sadan,” nor any orphanage, madrasa, or Hifzkhana activities, could be identified at the specified location.

Confirming the matter, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Sudipta Debnath said, “We have taken the allegation of misappropriation of funds into consideration and are investigating the matter. Further details can be provided after the investigation is completed.”

Officials familiar with the inquiry process said that the investigation is not limited to the current fiscal year alone. Records from previous years are also being reviewed, as there are indications that similar grants may have been received in the past under the same institution’s name.

The complainant has also alleged that irregularities may extend beyond orphanage grants, claiming that various development projects and social safety net allocations under Mathbaria Sadar Union have faced similar allegations over time. However, these claims have not been independently verified by authorities.

Local civil society members emphasized that government grants for orphanages are intended to support vulnerable children’s education, food, shelter, and welfare. If funds are found to have been allocated to a non-existent institution, they said, it would represent a serious misuse of public resources and a deprivation of rightful beneficiaries.

They further stressed the need for a transparent investigation to determine whether the case involves an isolated irregularity or a broader pattern of mismanagement. Questions have also been raised regarding the monitoring and verification mechanisms used in approving such grants.

Attempts to contact Union Parishad Chairman ABM Faruk Hasan for comment were unsuccessful.

The matter remains under active investigation. Authorities have stated that further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry and verification of relevant documents and records.