Fake bill scam in PIB: Allegation of embezzlement of Tk 24 lakh against Director General

Jewel Digger

Press Institute Bangladesh- PIB Director General Farooq Wasif has been accused of embezzling about 24 lakh taka by creating fake bill-vouchers. It has been said in the complaint that money has been withdrawn for various seminars and workshops by showing fake signatures in the name of the MD of the bus and about 400 journalists.

According to the complaint, since assuming office on September 21, 2024, he illegally appointed 39 people on temporary basis. Many of them are claimed to be his close people. It is also alleged that the permanent officers-employees were transferred, sent and harassed if they objected.

The most talked about event, February 18 and 19, 2025—a total bill of Tk 23 lakh 97 thousand 500 was shown in the name of four separate workshops on these two days. "Youth Festival-2025", "July Mass Upheaval", "Direction and Philosophy of Mass Movement" and a film-exhibition are accused of extorting huge sums of money. Among them, allegations of embezzlement of money in the name of honorarium of 200 journalists and fake signatures in the name of allowance and travel expenses of some negotiators have also been raised.

Besides, there are allegations of transfer of Tk 1 crore 12 lakh from the allocation of fiscal year 2024-25, payment of crores of bills in the name of renovation of buildings without tender and issuance of unauthorized checks before foreign trips.

Complainants say that fake bills as proof of these irregularities-Copies of the vouchers are attached and an impartial inquiry may unearth larger amounts of corruption. However, no official statement from the Director General or PIB authorities has been received so far. The incident has created a sensation in the concerned circles and demanded a quick investigation.