Serious allegations have been raised against Barishal Deputy Commissioner (DC) Khairul Alam Suman for embezzling large sums of government funds allocated for the 13th parliamentary election. Reports claim that he inflated the number of polling booths and remote centers in Hizla, Muladi, and Mehendiganj upazilas, creating fake bills and vouchers to misappropriate about Tk 6.25 million. The total allocation for election operations in Barishal was Tk 131.1 million, but discrepancies were found between official records and upazila-level documents.

Sources allege that the DC also withheld payments meant for executive magistrates and other election officials, diverting funds through falsified vouchers. Several officers who questioned the irregularities were reportedly transferred or restricted from administrative access. Additional allegations include misuse of funds for mobile courts, hospitality, fuel, and even renovation of the DC’s bungalow using relief allocations.

Attempts to contact the DC for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated calls or messages. The matter has caused significant unrest within the local administration, though most officials remain silent out of fear of reprisal.