Shahjalal (R.) Shrine donation box: Tk 64 lakh in 25 days, serious allegations against syndicate

Serious allegations of embezzlement of donation box money, sale of votive animals, looting of offerings, and various irregularities have been raised against a syndicate long active around the Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) shrine in Sylhet. These allegations have been made by former Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet, Sarwar Alam. He claims that an influential group centered around the shrine has established control over a huge amount of money for years.

Recently, on the initiative of the district administration, the shrine's donation box was sealed and opened under CCTV surveillance for counting, revealing new information. In just 25 days, Tk 64,75,702 was found in the donation box and trays. Additionally, currencies from 12 countries, gold ornaments, various notes, and 65 votive goats were also found.

It is learned that on June 22, the donation box was opened publicly for the first time, yielding Tk 17,65,549 from four days' collection. Subsequently, on July 11, a second counting recovered another Tk 47,10,153.

Former Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam claims that the actual amount of donations is much higher than what was found in the box. According to him, only 40 to 45 percent of the donations were deposited in the box the first time, and 20 to 25 percent the second time. The rest of the money was collected hand-to-hand from devotees and embezzled.

He alleges that near the shrine's spring area, some individuals tell devotees, "If you want to give to the shrine, give it to us; if you want to give to the government, put it in the donation box." As a result, a huge amount of money is collected personally without going into the donation box.

The investigation also revealed that the shrine's property, shops, market, ponds, donation box, personal offerings, and votive animals are the main sources of income for the syndicate. There are also allegations of embezzlement of a large portion of cash and gold ornaments given by expatriate devotees and businessmen.

Additionally, allegations have surfaced of reselling cows and goats brought for votive offerings, collecting extra money in the name of cooking, embezzling meat, selling the same cover cloth and rose water multiple times, and even collusion with pickpocket and fraud rings.

Locals allege that a group of about 500 khadem (shrine servants) collectively controls these activities. Although the shrine earns several lakh taka daily, there was no transparent accounting. It is claimed that on holidays, this income exceeds Tk 10 lakh.

Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Saiful Islam, said there was no system for keeping specific accounts of donation money at the shrine for a long time. The donation box was sealed to ensure transparency.

On the other hand, the shrine's Mutawalli (custodian), Fateh Ullah Al Aman, denied the allegations, saying the shrine's problems should have been resolved through discussion. He termed the sealing of the donation box and installation of CCTV as undesirable. He claimed they have their own system for maintaining order at the shrine and that pickpockets and fraudsters are resisted.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet, Abdullah Al Mamun, said a committee has been formed to investigate the various irregularities and corruption allegations at the shrine. The investigation report is expected to be submitted within a month. He said necessary action will be taken after receiving the report.

Deputy Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Sylhet integrated office, Subel Ahmed, said formal investigation cannot begin without the commission's approval. However, preliminary information and data have been collected. The investigation will begin once the commission grants permission.