An internal audit has revealed extensive financial irregularities and corruption within Bangladesh’s disaster management sector, implicating District Relief and Rehabilitation Officers (DRROs) and Project Implementation Officers (PIOs). The audit found that unspent government funds were not returned to the treasury as required, with approximately Tk 15 crore in irregularities identified. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has initiated departmental actions, including show-cause notices to 29 officials, and plans to refer cases to the Anti-Corruption Commission for further investigation.

According to ministry officials, the irregularities involve funds from programs such as General Relief, Test Relief, Food for Work, Cash for Work, and housing projects for the poor. The audit recorded 3,024 objections, including 930 serious ones, totaling around Tk 16 crore. Specific areas such as Madhabpur in Habiganj showed the highest discrepancies. Officials cited administrative complexity and lack of accountability as contributing factors, while civil society leaders described the issue as institutional failure.

The ministry is reportedly taking a strict stance to recover the funds and ensure compliance with financial regulations, though systemic weaknesses in monitoring and fund allocation remain unresolved.