BANARIPARA, Barishal: Allegations have surfaced against Monirul Islam Mithu, general secretary of the Upazila Primary Teachers’ Association in Banaripara, Barishal, of demanding more than Tk 300,000 from a representative of a company after payment was made for an internet connectivity project at government primary schools.

Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui, a representative of Sky View Online Company in Barishal, made the allegation.

According to Nur-e-Alam, his company carried out internet connectivity work at government primary schools in Banaripara under a government project during the last fiscal year. After completing the work, the company submitted a bill of around Tk 800,000 to the Banaripara Upazila Education Office in June 2025, following the required procedures.

The bill was subsequently scrutinised and paid through a cheque, he said.

Nur-e-Alam alleged that a few days after receiving the payment, Mithu called him and said that he would have to pay money if he wanted to continue doing business in the area. According to Nur-e-Alam, more than Tk 300,000 was demanded from him.

“I was surprised that money was being demanded from me after I had completed the work following government rules and received the payment. I am also concerned that I may face pressure if I want to do business in the area in the future,” Nur-e-Alam said.

When contacted, Monirul Islam Mithu said, “We asked for the money that is owed to us.”

Asked what the money was owed for, he replied, “We have an agreement.”

However, when asked whether the demand was based on any private agreement related to payment for the government project, Mithu did not provide a clear explanation. He said he would show a copy of the agreement, but no such document had been provided up to the time of publication.

Meanwhile, several teachers, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that Mithu regularly remains absent from school. They also alleged that he uses his political connections to exert influence at the education office.

The teachers further alleged that Mithu has financially benefited by acting as an intermediary in various matters involving the education office.

Mithu, however, denied all the allegations against him.

The allegations have raised questions about whether individuals outside the formal government procurement and payment process are seeking financial benefits from contractors or service providers involved in public projects.