Dhaka University’s (DU) female student Jannatul Ferdoush Shraboni, a third-year Urdu Department student and resident of Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall allegedly committed 27 frauds, embezzling nearly Tk 3 lakh.
She secured scholarships using fake documents, took funds from student and worker welfare schemes and misused the money to buy bike, aid a domestic worker and collect cash from USA expatriate former DU student.
Her accomplice, Rakibuzzaman Shuvo from Philosophy Department and resident of Kabi Jasimuddin Hall, faces accusations of defaulting on loans and assisting Shraboni's schemes, though he denies involvement, "I had relationship with her in past, but not anymore. Just because I knew her doesn't mean I'm responsible for all her wrongdoings."
She created fake social media profiles of financially disadvantaged students to solicit funds from numerous organisations, including DU's own Student Welfare Fund.
Despite having no involvement in last year's political upheaval, Shraboni managed to receive an honorary "July Warrior" award from former interim government adviser Nahid Islam.
She also fabricated stories about injured protesters to collect donations and leveraged her own manufactured hardship narrative to secure a tutoring position for Proctor's daughter.
Following exposure of their actions, both accused were summoned to Proctor's Office where they reportedly confessed.
Officials have formed a three-member investigation committee and seized their mobile phones as evidence.
"Shraboni created WhatsApp and Facebook accounts using name 'Julfa' and portrayed herself as flood victim from poor family," revealed Sabbir Ahmed, admin of Dhaka Bissobiddalay Shikkharti Sangsad Facebook group who uncovered fraud.
He added, "She posted submerged home photos and attached her bKash number anonymously to collect money. Using Julfa's name and information, she secured monthly scholarship of Tk 3 thousand. She did this repeatedly for 13 months."
According to official records, Shraboni received Tk 40 thousand in last year's October using Julfa's identity and Tk 30 thousand under her own name this year's March.
Student Welfare Office payment documents confirm these transactions.
During unrest last July, she falsely claimed a cook from Rangpur needed medical assistance, collecting Tk 18 thousand via mobile financial services.
Additionally, she fraudulently obtained one-time scholarship of Tk 40 thousand from Labour Welfare Foundation using stolen identity, whilst simultaneously receiving monthly Tk 3 thousand scholarship from "Pay It Forward" organisation.
When confronted about her actions, Shraboni cited financial hardship, "Only those who don't have father understand true hardship. I admit my mistake."
Julfa Khatun, whose identity was misappropriated stated, "She opened fake accounts using my name and collected money from various places. She used my photo and identity to humiliate me. I want justice."
DU Proctor Dr Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed investigation, "We've formed committee. They are working on the case. Based on their findings, appropriate action will be taken."
NRE/SH
