Distribution of VGF cards through lottery protested
Women union parishad (UP) members and the ultra-poor on Wednesday staged a protest against distribution of VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) cards through lottery in Nawabganj upazila of the district.
Nine women UP members and about 1,000 ultra-poor villagers of different unions under Nawabganj upazila formed a human chain in front of the upazila parishad complex demanding cancellation of the VGF cards distributed through lottery.
In a memorandum submitted to the deputy commissioner on February 22, the UP members alleged the ruling party men took advantage of the lottery system introduced by the local lawmaker. They demanded withdrawal of the VGF cards and ensure proper distribution of those through UP chairmen and members.
Sources said around 1,948 VGF cards have been distributed in nine unions of the upazila through lottery and most of the recipients are from among the ruling party men who are financially sound.
When asked, lawmaker Dr Azizul Haque Chowdhury said he introduced lottery system to bring transparency in VGF card distribution system.
The women UP members said they repeatedly requested the lawmaker to withdraw the cards distributed through lottery, but to no effect. The VGF cards were distributed in exchange for money, they alleged.
Haresa Banu 20, wife Mizanur Rahman of Jagannathpur village under Golapganj union, said she failed to get the VGF card as she could not give money to the ruling party men.
The ultra-poor and women UP members also submitted a memorandum to prime minister through UNO Md Abdul Motaleb Sarker.
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