Save Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO

The Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO (BNCU), the only national liaison office of the Bangladesh government with UNESCO, is located in Dhaka at the International Mother Language Institute Building and operates under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Education. Unfortunately, this esteemed government office has become entangled in corruption, nepotism, and fraudulent practices, including the falsification of bills and vouchers to embezzle funds allocated by the government for various projects. Of particular concern are the irregularities surrounding the allocation of grants for the UNESCO Participation Programme. Additionally, it has come to light that unethical financial transactions occurred during the evaluation of proposals, resulting in indifference to some of national importance.
According to general government regulations, officers are not supposed to serve at the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO, Ministry of Education, on deputation for more than three years. However, in defiance of these regulations, some officers have been posted there for extended periods ranging from 10 to 16 years on deputation. Consequently, some individuals have transformed the commission into a haven for immoral and unethical dealings, leading to prolonged absences from teaching duties in government colleges.
Concerned observers, eminent individuals, and educators from the civil society are urging the Ministry of Education to establish an investigation committee to uncover the corruption within the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO (BNCU).

Mahbubuddin Chowdhury
A columnist
Faridabad, Gandaria,
Dhaka