Jamaat MP Bachchu's daughter included in his discretionary fund list

The inclusion of the daughter of Ataur Rahman Bachchu, MP for Narail-2 and a leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, in the list of beneficiaries of his discretionary fund has sparked widespread discussion and criticism. However, Bachchu has claimed that he did not have the opportunity to review the list and that his personal assistant prepared and submitted it.

The Parliament Secretariat allocated Tk 1,83,500 from MP Ataur Rahman Bachchu's discretionary fund for the fiscal year 2025-26 (from February 17 to June 30) on June 18. A list of beneficiaries was subsequently approved for the distribution of the funds.

According to the published list, Tk 80,000 was allocated for 10 beneficiaries in Narail Sadar upazila and Tk 1,03,500 for 11 beneficiaries in Lohagara upazila.

In the Sadar upazila list, two individuals named Faiza (father: Md Bachchu) and Faiza (father: Md Ataur) from Hobakhali union were included, with Tk 10,000 allocated for each. As the MP's daughter is also named Faiza, questions have been raised on social media.

Regarding the matter, MP Ataur Rahman Bachchu said an MP receives up to Tk 5 lakh per year from the discretionary fund for public welfare activities. He received Tk 1,83,500 for the current fiscal year after taking oath.

He said his personal assistant collected names from various unions and submitted the list to the Parliament Secretariat within the stipulated time.

Bachchu said, "I was busy in the area. My PA called and informed me that the list had to be submitted that day. I told him to collect the list from the unions and submit it. I did not have the opportunity to see what names were included afterwards."