Allegation of Corruption in VGD Programme
Landless people besiege Natore UNO office
Hundreds of landless people from five unions yesterday formed a human chain in front of the upazila parishad complex, besieged the UNO office and submitted a memorandum to the UNO protesting alleged malpractice in preparing the list of beneficiaries of the VGD programme.
The protesters alleged that the ruling party activists and members of the VGD card distribution committee are being included in the list depriving the genuine poor people.
“We will be forced to launch tougher agitation if they do not stop corruption and nepotism in making the list of the VGD card holders in the area,” said leader of 'Bhumihin Samity' Mira Begum.
The activists of UP chairman and local Awami League leaders sold a huge number of cards of vulnerable group development (VGD) porgrammes among both distressed and solvent people in several areas of the upazila at Tk 1000 to Tk 3000 each, she alleged.
Kohinur Begum, 37, wife of Sanowar Ali of village Taltola under Dayarampur union said, the chairman and members enrolled the name of Helena Begum, who is not a resident of the upazila. Helena Begum is wife of Mukul Mia of village Patul under Natore Sadar upazila, she added.
Rehena Begum, another protester of the same village said, name of Joriman Begum was put on the VGD card list though she is financially solvent as her husband works in Malaysia.
Sambhu Sarkar of village Faguardiar said, most of VGD cards were distributed in exchange of money and the recipients are also from among the ruling party men who are financially sound.
Sanjita Begum, 27, wife of Mahatab Uddin of Faguardiar village under Bagatipara union said, she did not get the VGD card as she could not give money to the ruling party men.
Contacted, UNO Yamin Khan said, the formation of the committee and enlisting the names of the VGD cardholders are yet to be completed. He said an impartial list will be prepared after visiting door to door.
Abdul Aziz, chairman of Bagatipara UP said, there is no question of corruption in the list as the UP members, AL and JP leaders, NGO workers and the govt. officials jointly prepared and submitted it.
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