A commercial canteen has been opened at the Government Harganga College in Munshiganj, allegedly for personal gain and without following official procedures. As a result, the government is being deprived of rightful revenue.
The canteen was formally inaugurated last Sunday, but the person in charge, Md. Elias Khan, failed to show any official tender documents or approval.
Sources say that although the college has long faced a shortage of proper canteen facilities, this new one was suddenly launched without respecting rules or regulations. The move has sparked anger among teachers, students, and staff. While some teachers demand the canteen be properly approved, others are reportedly using their influence to run it with external individuals.
The Asutosh Hall is being used rent-free as the canteen space. Additionally, government-owned benches, electricity, water, and other resources are being used—yet no income is being deposited into the government fund. Concerned individuals have called this a clear example of mismanagement and corruption, as personal profit is being made using public assets.
Md. Elias Khan stated, “I was not given any paperwork. The Principal and the Teachers’ Council Secretary told me to start, so I did.”
Teachers’ Council Secretary, Professor Sheikh Md. Humayun Kabir, said, “There is ongoing discussion about renovating the old canteen and launching it properly. Any final decision must come through a Teachers’ Council meeting. I’m unaware of how this current canteen was started.”
Principal Professor Nazmun Nahar explained, “This canteen was opened on a trial basis in response to student demand. A final decision will be made at Wednesday’s Teachers’ Council meeting. The income currently goes to Elias, not the college.”
The incident has triggered widespread criticism across the campus.
