Preparing VGF Cards in Pabna
Interference by AL men creates stalemate
The final lists of ultra-poor people for issuing VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) cards in nine upazilas of the district are yet to be completed due to alleged interference of the ruling party men although August 14 is the deadline for submission.
Chairmen and mayors of 72 union parishads and nine municipalities said the local AL leaders have created the stalemate in listing the ultra poor people as they are putting pressure on them to issue half of the total VGF cards to the names they recommended.
Things turned out violent on August 4 when the ruling party men vandalised Ekdanta Union Parishad office and assaulted the UP chairman and four members who did not pay heed to the demand of local AL men.
Unable to reach a compromise with the ruling party men, the union parishad is yet to prepare the VGF list for submission to the Project Implementation Office (PIO).
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management on July 25 approved special VGF cards for ultra poor people in the district to receive a single handout of 10 kg rice each.
Sources in the district relief and rehabilitation office (DRRO) said a total of 2, 06,795 VGF cards have been granted for Pabna ahead of Eid. This is the highest allotment of such cards in the district, they said.
If the lists are not submitted within August 14, the ultra poor people will not get the rice before Eid, the sources added.
The union parishad chairmen, most of whom belong to BNP and Jamaat, claimed that they could not make the VGF list till Friday due to lack of “understanding” with the ruling party men.
Ali Reza Kakon, chairman of Malonchi Union parishad under Pabna Sadar upazila, said he has got 2,084 VGF cards but the ruling party leaders are asking for 50 percent share of the cards.
The chairman and members of the union said they will boycott the relief if they have to give 50 percent share of the cards to the ruling party men.
Md Amzad Hossain, chairman of Dhulauri Union Parishad in Santhia upazila, said he had to give 40 percent share of 2410 VGF cards allotted for the union to the ruling party men.
Abu Sayed, chairman of Varara UP in Sadar upazila and also the vice president of AL sadar upazila unit, said the pro-BNP, Jamaat chairmen are bargaining with the ruling party men over distribution of cards.
The pro-AL chairmen in some unions have already solved the issue with the party leaders, he added.
Contacted, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Mostafizur Rahman said impasse over making the lists of ultra poor people will be removed soon.
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