Allegations of discrepancies in holding or household tax collection have emerged at Nilগঞ্জ Union Parishad in Kalapara, Patuakhali. Union members, village police and residents claim more than Tk 900,000 was collected from nine wards this year, while only Tk 550,000 was deposited in the parishad’s accounts. They have questioned the whereabouts of about Tk 350,000 or more and demanded an investigation and public disclosure of the full accounts.

Tax collection was assigned to a third party for an agreed commission, while Secretary Hasnat Titu was responsible for receiving the money and accounts, according to the report. Critics allege that union members and village police were not shown a complete account and were not informed when money was received or deposited. Village police said tax revenue helps cover their salaries, allowances and other expenses.

Secretary Titu said he deposited the amount he received, and knew nothing beyond that. Administrator Nahidul Islam said the third party’s account given to the secretary may have been around Tk 550,000, and said explanations had been sought from those contracted to collect taxes. Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arifuzzaman said he would visit the union parishad to verify the matter.