Irregularities in HYSAWA Fund Project alleged NGOs seek Danish Embassy intervention

chtnews.com
News No. 172/2009, November 03, 2009

The Non-Government Organisations operating in the CHT in a letter addressed to the Ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy have alleged gross irregularities in the selection of NGOs for the implementation of the CHT HYSAWA Fund Project and sought the intervention of His Highness in the matter.

In the undated letter entitled “Unfair PNGO selection process for HYSAWA Fund Project in CHT”, circulated on the internet, the NGO leaders have listed 14 cases of irregularities in the selection process.

The letter alleged that the “Total NGO selection process was motivated, unfair and illegal”.

Without naming anyone, it said the selection was done mostly by one single individual “without following Danish (government’s) prescribed guidelines”.

It further alleged that many NGOs selected for the project -- such as SDO, Shantir Alo, Banchete Sikhi -- had no offices before their selection.

The letter is signed by Shimul Chakma, Executive Director, Welfare Association; Advocate Mrinal Kanti Chakma, Executive Director, HRDP; and Kiron Chakma, Executive Director, BORGANG.

They urged the Royal Danish Embassy to enquire into the matter and suggested four measures for it to be taken in mitigating the irregularities.

Similar letter has been written to the Chairman, CHT HYSAWA Fund Board and the Secretary, Ministry of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.

Thirteen leading local NGOs including Jabarang, Kabidang, Alo, Jumphul, Shantir Alo Unnayan Sangsta and Ashika Manobik Unnayan Kendra signed the letter, which was also circulated on the internet and a copy of which has been obtained by chtnews.com.

UNDP funds misused?
When contacted, a NGO executive told chtnews.com requesting anonymity that most the NGOs selected are merely an extension of the JSS (Santu faction).

“Santu Larma has selected these NGOs in return for money or other favours” he alleged. “And what is more important is he does not invest this money in any productive sectors. He uses it to buy arms and ammunitions to kill his political rivals.”

Another leading NGO boss alleged that a significant portion of the development funds handled by the UNDP in some way falls into the hands of the Santu faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti, which controls the activities of the NGOs in CHT.

“This is one reason why the fratricidal conflict goes on endlessly.” he said, adding the UNDP should ensure its funds do not contribute in any manner to the sustenance of intra-Jumma conflict.