Islamic Foundation, IFA is rocked by unrest once more; DG of IFA, Shamim Mohammad Afzal, gave transfer notice to a few officials.

Afterwards, nullifying the DG’s order, a counter order was issued by the secretary of the institute, Kazi Nurul Islam.

This has triggered agitation at IFA. On Sept 17, the DG gave transfer order to three officials without permission from the board; on the other hand, on Sept 8, secretary of the agency, Nurul Islam, gave show-cause notices to directors, Afzal Uddin and Touhidul Anwar.

Touhidul Anwar was removed to give responsibility to Borhan Uddin Md Abul Hassan.

All these events have triggered a feeling of indignation and unrest. IFA secretary Kazi Nurul Islam said: “government job is transferable and can take place any time but the DG cannot give transfer order without permission from the board.”

A kerfuffle started at the Islamic Foundation over the breaking of a pillar of the national mosque Baitul Mokarram. Many allege that breaking the pillar, a businessman, related to the DG, extended the space of a shop.

Reportedly, Mahiuddin Mazumdar began a process to take steps against those who were linked to the demolition of the pillar and so, he was suspended by the DG.

Following this, a campaign took a form which demanded the resignation of the DG.

The DG was also accused of trying to take away documents from the foundation when he was stopped by the secretary and others.

To tackle the imbroglio, the officials of the ministry of religion and IFA had several meetings and on Jun 22, the powers of the DG were curtailed.

A rule was adopted under which disciplinary action against a staff plus transfer orders can be given only through permission from the board of governors.