A series of serious allegations have emerged against Imam Hossain Md. Faruk, Principal of Notun Kahela College in Mirzapur Upazila of Tangail, centering on prolonged absence, financial irregularities, and misappropriation of institutional records.
Following political changes on August 5, 2024, Faruk has reportedly not attended the college for the past 19 months, yet continues to draw his government salary and allowances.
Despite being aware of the matter, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) -currently serving as chairman of the college's management committee-and the Upazila Secondary Education Officer have allegedly taken no corrective measures, prompting dissatisfaction among local residents.
Faruk is facing allegations of financial misconduct, forgery, misappropriation and illegally possession of important college documents. Multiple directives from the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities to recover original records have reportedly gone unheeded, severely disrupting academic activities.
The college's founder, Md. Nasir Uddin Bablu, recently filed Case No. 90/2026 with the Tangail Executive Magistrate Court seeking recovery of the records. The court has directed the officer-in-charge of Mirzapur Police Station to investigate. Preliminary findings reportedly substantiate the allegations, and a report is being prepared for submission.
According to the complaint, Faruk joined as principal of the Higher Secondary section under the Dhaka Education Board in 2003. After the college became MPO-affiliated under the Technical Education Board in May 2004, he allegedly used forged appointment letters to register as principal of a technical college (BMT) and secure MPO benefits. He reportedly withdrew Tk 500,025.68 from the government treasury between May 2004 and March 2010 through fraudulent means. An investigation report submitted on January 22, 2025, by the Ministry of Education's Directorate of Inspection and Audit ordered the funds returned.
Faruk voluntarily resigned on March 8, 2010, joined Uttara Credence College in Dhaka on April 1, 2010, and was later dismissed for irregularities. He allegedly rejoined Kahela College using false leave documents, despite a December 10, 2012 letter from Deputy Secretary Ruhi Rahman stating that reappointment to an MPO-affiliated principal post after resignation was not permitted. Allegations suggest he leveraged political influence to rejoin on November 19, 2016.
Further claims include illegal logging of 40 trees worth approximately Tk 600,000, misappropriation of about BDT 60 lakh collected for staff recruitment, and Tk 18 lakh from the sale of old buildings and timber. Investigations are ongoing regarding salary withdrawals from December 19, 2017, to January 2026.
On January 9, 2025, Faruk allegedly entered the college premises at night but left after locals attempted to detain him. A complaint was filed with Mirzapur Police Station. Authorities have formed a three-member committee to recover records. Efforts to contact Faruk for comment were unsuccessful.
