Photo: Messenger
In a startling development, the esteemed Rotary Club of Bangladesh finds itself embroiled in controversy as allegations of corruption and deviation from Rotary ideals have surfaced, prompting decisive action from Rotary International.
The committee of the Rotary Club of Bangladesh now faces suspension, casting a shadow over the organisation's reputation and integrity. Rotary International's decision to suspend the club for the next three years underscores the severity of the situation and signals a commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability within the global Rotary community.
According to sources within Rotary Bangladesh, the RI Board of Directors held a meeting in January. During this meeting, Rotary International designated District 3281 Bangladesh as a non-district for three years, a move that has reportedly already been implemented. Additionally, District Governor Ashrafuzzaman Nannu has been removed from his position.
On January 31, General Secretary (GS) and CEO of Rotary International, John Hewko, conveyed this decision to Rotary Bangladesh in a letter.
According to the letter, RI President McInally and President-elect Urchick sent a message to Rotary Bangladesh in July of last year. They emailed a video message to district leaders to address inappropriate management practices occurring in some districts. Unfortunately, these practices persisted, leading the board to take action.
The board disbanded all existing district committees and relieved other district leadership roles to allow the special advisor to address management issues more effectively. However, RI said in the letter that they may decide to form a team to assist in these efforts and support the clubs.
The letter further states that this change will not affect the activities of the clubs. However, clubs maintained in non-district status are ineligible to participate in Rotary Foundation programs and grants. Inquiries regarding current and pending grants should be directed to: [email protected].
A Rotarian from Rotary Bangladesh, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Daily Messenger, “For the last 5 years, a syndicate has been operating within Rotary, determining who will be the governor. Rotarians are required to pay Tk 12,000 per year as membership fees. The syndicate nominates the governor before the elections and pays the membership fees on their behalf. Votes are bought and sold through this process.”
He further added, “One vote is counted for every 37 members in a club. If there are 38 members, 2 votes are counted, and if there are 63 members, 3 votes are counted. Just 15 days before the election, a 30-member club suddenly becomes 63 members. Former governor Salim Reza is part of this syndicate. Additionally, the syndicate includes Khairul Alam, Motasim Billah, MA Wahab, Ashrafuzzaman Nannu, Arif Jebtik, and Atiqur Rahman. This syndicate of seven people manipulates the election process by buying and selling votes to determine the governorship. The main players in this syndicate are Khairul Alam, Ashrafuzzaman Nannu, and Arif Jebtik.
It is reported that recently, a governor had to spend Tk 2 crore. Only those who can afford such expenses become governors. Complaints have been lodged with Rotary International, saying that individuals who have been members for only 10-12 years are becoming governors solely because of their wealth.
Many members, who usually remain absent during voting, are specially brought to Dhaka to cast their votes. A candidate who participated in the election mentioned that RI has found evidence supporting the allegations that members nominated for the governorship paid Tk 50 lakh to the syndicate. He told The Daily Messenger on condition of anonymity, “Khairul Alam, Ashrafuzzaman Nannu, and Arif Jebtik demand an initial payment of Tk 50 lakhs. Otherwise, no one gets nominated.”
Efforts were made to contact the newly expelled Governor Ashrafuzzaman Nannu regarding these allegations. However, several calls to his personal mobile number went unanswered. Later, when attempts were made to reach him via WhatsApp asking for his explanation, he responded, saying, “There is no basis for suspension here. We have declared districts 3281 as non-districts. We will now undergo a zoning change from 3281 to 3264. There is no reason for my suspension. An advisor has been appointed who will take over responsibilities. I am unsure of the timeline, but he will provide recommendations, and we will act accordingly.”
He also mentioned, “There was no election during my tenure, so there is no room for complaints about election manipulation. I previously filed a complaint for the 2020-21 period with $2000, as per Rotary International's policy. I lodged the complaint and was subsequently declared selected, thus assuming responsibility for 2023-24. There was no election this year.”
However, it has been reported that three individuals have been dismissed by Rotary International: Governor Ashrafuzzaman Nannu, Governor-elect Hafiz Biplab, and Governor-nominee Arifur Rahman Jebtik. Ashrafuzzaman dismissed this information as incorrect.
According to the letter from Rotary International, non-district clubs will be led by a special advisor, who is also a district governor and a representative of the RI president.
The RI President has appointed Ashish Ghosh, former district governor of the New Delhi Rotary Club, as a special advisor.
Ashish is a respected, effective, and clear-minded leader with many years of experience. Ashish Ghosh has served in various capacities within Clubs, Districts, Regionals, and Rotary, internationally, for more than 40 years.
Over the next few months, he will support the clubs and ensure proper and fair district operations. When the time is right, he will recommend to the RI Board the re-establishment of the district.
The letter emphasises the importance of accurate and timely reporting of club membership, the election of club leaders in an honest and ethical manner, and adherence to Rotary policies.
Messenger/Disha
