Govt dissolves NGO executive body

The Directorate has also formed a three-member committee headed by its official Zaituna Khatun to run the NGO Association for Community Development (ACD)-- till further decision is taken on it.

The action followed an order from the office of the Director General of the Directorate that detected "gross irregularities and political activities by the NGO authorities".

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Sources said ACD authorities failed to satisfactorily explain 12 allegations of fund embezzlement, anti-constitutional activities and involvement in political activities.

Earlier on June 16, the Directorate in a show cause notice asked the NGO authorities to explain allegations that include showing fake money receipts on entertaining destitute children at its Drop-in Center and expansion of its work outside Rajshahi without approval of the Directorate. It was also alleged that ACD Executive Director Salima Sarwar drew Tk 74,350 as monthly payment without approval of its general council.

On June 23, the NGO authorities replied to the showcause notice, denying the allegations. But they failed to show necessary documents, the sources said.

The DG's office conducted an investigation into the NGO activities and found the allegations true, Deputy Director of the Directorate Aftab Uddin Sheikh said.

The DG office probe also found that the NGO was engaged in political activities and acted against Jamat-e Islami during the last parliamentary election.

None of the officials of ACD could be contacted despite repeated attempts.