'Interim govt cripples Bangladesh Mahila Krira Songstha by pulling back Tk 20cr'

Bangladesh Mahila Krira Sangstha (BMKS) Chairperson Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla has said that Tk 20 crore allocated from the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund was withdrawn, effectively crippling the organisation’s operations and halting its development activities.

She made the allegation at a press conference held at the Riya Gop Women’s Sports Complex in Dhanmondi on Saturday (May 16).

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, she said the funds were taken from Sonali Bank’s Corporate Branch, linked to the Prime Minister’s Office, under instructions attributed to former Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and directives of then Principal Secretary Md. Siraj Uddin Miah.

She claimed the decision was made without informing the chairperson or other senior officials of BMKS.

In a written statement, Shukla said Tk 20 crore had been granted in two instalments on April 21, 2022, and February 13, 2024, with terms stipulating that 80 per cent of the dividend would be used for the organisation’s development while the remaining 20 percent would be added to seed capital.

She alleged that dividend payments continued until August 2025, even after the political transition on August 5, 2024, before being abruptly stopped. The organisation later sought clarification from the bank but did not receive cooperation, she added.

According to Shukla, officials were verbally informed on May 6, 2025, that the grant had been cancelled by the interim government led by Dr. Yunus and the funds were returned to the Relief and Welfare Fund.

She called for the immediate restoration of the full amount to BMKS, along with a fair investigation into the withdrawal process. She also urged intervention from the Prime Minister, the State Minister for Sports, and relevant authorities.

Senior officials of BMKS, including General Secretary Firoza Karim Nelly, Vice-President Firoza Khatun and member Elina Shammi, were present at the press briefing.