For the first time in history, the donation boxes at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) in Sylhet were opened and counted publicly, yielding Tk 17,65,549 in cash along with gold ornaments and foreign currencies.
The counting was initiated by outgoing Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam on Monday, breaking decades of tradition of keeping shrine donations undisclosed.
Three sealed donation boxes and one chest were opened under the supervision of the district administration, revealing chains, rings, and small gold pieces weighing 7 annas, along with Saudi riyals, US dollars, British pounds, and currencies from various other countries.
The money and valuables had accumulated over the past four days.
Sarwar Alam had taken earlier initiatives to bring financial transparency to the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Shah Paran (RA) by establishing administrative control. However, following adverse reactions and criticism, he was recalled and attached to the Ministry of Public Administration as Deputy Secretary.
Despite the recall order, the outgoing DC proceeded with the public counting on Monday. Around 1:30pm, he arrived at the shrine area with administration officials and oversaw the counting from a secure location.
The counting continued for about four hours. Waqf officer Sajal Mia, responsible for Sylhet and Sunamganj, announced the results.
The entire donation amount will be deposited into the shrine’s account at Sonali Bank, and concerned authorities will later decide on its preservation and management.
Throughout the day, a crowd of curious onlookers gathered at the shrine area following the unprecedented initiative. Police and Ansar members were deployed under tight security arrangements.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Syeda Parveen said the shrine’s donation boxes will remain under district administration control. If they become full, they will be opened again for counting, with Ansar members deployed to guard them.
