SISP files legal complaint in Bangladesh over alleged fund misuse and digital breach
The Shaker International Scholarship Program (SISP), a private nonprofit organization based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has officially filed a legal complaint against two former scholarship recipients, citing allegations of financial misappropriation, unauthorized access to digital platforms, and a breach of trust.
According to SISP, the complaint was submitted to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Dhaka under Criminal Case No. 371/2025. The case has been filed under several sections of the Bangladesh Penal Code, including Sections 420, 406, 379, 506(2), and 109. The complaint names two individuals—Samia Islam Farzana, a student of Titumir Government College, and Shahed Anwar Shadhin, a student of Adamjee Cantonment College.
In an official statement, the organization said that both students were previously enrolled in its work-study scholarship program and had received academic, financial, and personal support for several years. The organization claims that internal access privileges were used inappropriately in April 2025, resulting in the unauthorized transfer of approximately 1.8 million Bangladeshi Taka and equipment worth 500,000 Taka, along with the deletion of several organizational digital assets.
The deleted accounts allegedly include SISP’s official Facebook page, Instagram profile, and YouTube channel—platforms that hosted program materials, community updates, and outreach content. The organization also reports that certain records related to scholarship disbursements and digital literacy activities were lost as a result.
SISP’s legal representative, A.Z.M. Abdus Sobur, stated that digital evidence, including metadata and communication records, has been submitted to the authorities. The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) is currently involved in the investigation. The organization added that it is preparing to file additional legal actions related to cybercrime, data tampering, and defamation, subject to the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
“This legal step is part of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of our nonprofit programs and ensure that proper accountability is maintained,” said M. Shaker, Founder of SISP. “We are fully cooperating with investigators and legal authorities and will share additional updates as the legal process moves forward.”
SISP operates as an independent nonprofit with a mission to support underprivileged students, particularly those from economically marginalized Muslim families. Since its inception, the organization has provided tuition support, digital training, mentorship, and emergency family assistance without reliance on government or corporate funding. The entire operation is reportedly sustained through personal contributions from the founder.
At the time of this release, SISP confirmed that it offered multiple opportunities to the accused students—Samia Islam Farzana and Shahed Anwar Shadhin—to return the allegedly misappropriated funds and resolve the matter peacefully. However, SISP reports that no agreement was reached.
As a result, the case has now been fully handed over to the legal system and is under active investigation by law enforcement authorities in Bangladesh.
SISP has submitted over 30 pieces of supporting evidence, including video recordings, written communications, and legal correspondence. In addition, multiple witnesses—all residents of Bangladesh and close acquaintances of the accused—have come forward. Some of them grew up with the defendants and have agreed to testify in court under oath, providing detailed accounts of the events in question.
In a formal notice to its partners and the broader community, SISP announced that all scholarship programs have been suspended until further notice, and no new applications will be accepted. This decision was made following the reported incident. The organization reports that its available funds were affected, resulting in a temporary pause in operations.
SISP has stated it will continue to follow legal procedures and may evaluate future operations based on the outcome of the case.
Client Contact:
Mr. M. Shaker
Shaker International Scholarship Program (SISP)
Email: contactsisp@yahoo.com