Faruk Ahmed, Magura Fresh controversy has erupted at Magura Adarsha College over reported efforts to reinstate Principal Shyamal Kumar Biswas, who was removed from his post following allegations of financial irregularities and embezzlement involving nearly Tk 15 million.The development has sparked concern among teachers, students and guardians, who question why no visible administrative or legal action has been taken against the accused despite an internal audit reportedly finding substantial financial discrepancies. They also expressed concern that the principal has continued to receive salary and benefits more than eight months after his removal.According to college sources, Biswas joined the institution as principal on September 29, 2022. Soon after assuming office, questions were raised regarding the management of students' fees, development funds, rental income from the college market and other financial accounts. In response, the college authorities formed an internal audit committee to investigate the allegations.The audit committee's report reportedly identified significant irregularities in several financial sectors. It found that of Tk 17,478,809 collected from undergraduate honours students, only Tk 10,180,300 had been deposited into the bank, leaving nearly Tk 7.3 million unaccounted for.Similarly, the report stated that out of Tk 14,216,600 collected from Higher Secondary, BMT and undergraduate pass-course students, only Tk 9,894,230 was deposited, indicating another discrepancy of approximately Tk 4.3 million.The audit also uncovered irregularities involving shop rentals, lease income and other financial transactions. In some instances, funds were allegedly withdrawn from bank accounts without proper approval.College officials said the internal audit committee submitted its report on January 1, 2025. Although the report was not made public immediately, mounting pressure eventually led to the removal of the principal from his position. Golam Kabir has since been serving as acting principal.Despite the findings, no departmental proceedings, suspension or legal action has yet been initiated against Biswas, according to multiple college sources.Acting Principal Golam Kabir acknowledged the situation, saying, "The investigation identified financial irregularities. However, he has not yet been officially dismissed from service. Under the existing rules, his salary and benefits continue."Meanwhile, several sources connected to the college alleged that an influential group is actively trying to secure Biswas's reinstatement instead of pursuing the recovery of the allegedly misappropriated funds. Although no direct evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate these claims, the reported move has generated dissatisfaction among sections of the teaching and administrative staff.Members of the college community have questioned why discussions over reinstatement are taking place before any final accountability has been established.Mohammad Kabirul Bashar, assistant professor and convener of the internal audit committee, said the committee had conducted an impartial investigation."Our investigation clearly identified financial irregularities. The decision regarding further action now rests with the college administration and the governing body," he said.Advocate Shahed Hasan Togor, president of the college's governing body, said a governing committee meeting has been scheduled for Thursday to review the audit findings and related issues."The investigation report and all relevant matters will be placed before the committee. Further action will be taken based on the committee's decision," he said.Repeated attempts to obtain a response from the accused principal were unsuccessful, as Biswas declined to comment to the media.Former and current students, guardians and local residents said that failure to ensure accountability in the face of such serious allegations could undermine public confidence in educational institutions. They called for an impartial investigation, legal action against those found responsible and measures to recover any misappropriated public funds.What began as allegations of financial misconduct has now evolved into a broader debate over institutional accountability, administrative transparency and governance. Attention is now focused on the governing body's decision, which many believe will determine the credibility of the college's response to one of its most serious financial controversies in recent years.