A total of Tk47,10,253 was found in the donation boxes of the Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) Shrine in Sylhet over a period of 18 days. Alongside the local currency, the boxes contained various foreign currencies, gold, silver, and gold-like metal objects.
During the same 18-day period, devotees donated one cow and 65 goats. The cow was slaughtered and the meat was cooked and distributed as an offering (Nazrana). Of the goats, 40 were cooked and distributed, while the remaining 25 were sold for Tk2,25,450.
The information was shared on Saturday by Abdul Quiyum Choudhury, the Administrator of Sylhet City Corporation and a member of the high-level committee formed for shrine management, following the conclusion of the second public counting at 6pm.
According to the district administration and shrine management authorities, the foreign currency recovered included 105 Saudi Riyals, 20 US Dollars, 2,532 Indian Rupees, 22 Qatari Dirhams, 6 Malaysian Ringgits, 20 Hong Kong Dollars, 20 Euros, 1.45 Omani Dinar, 54.20 UAE Dirhams, 4,000 Indonesian Rupiah, 60 Pakistani Rupees, and 10 Singapore Dollars.
Additionally, 9 grams of gold, 10 grams of gold-like metal, and 39.4 grams of silver were found.
Following the counting, SCC Administrator Quiyum said the committee will meet next Thursday to discuss ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of the Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) Shrine, Dargah Mosque, and Madrasa. “Based on the decisions of that meeting, we will finalise a policy for the financial management and operation of these institutions within one month,” he said.
This was the second time the donation boxes were opened publicly under the supervision of the district administration.
Earlier on 22 June, the boxes were opened and the money was counted publicly for the first time in nearly 700 years, yielding Tk17,65,549 in four days, which was subsequently deposited into a Sonali Bank account.
The counting process on Saturday was attended by, of the Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Lodi, Zila Parishad Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim; and the Acting Deputy Commissioner Pinky Saha.
Other administrative officials, shrine-related individuals, media personnel, and people from various professions were also present during the activity.
