Legal action against extortion over family cards, farmer cards: Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal has warned that if allegations of irregularities, nepotism or extortion in the distribution of family cards and farmer cards are found, cases will be filed against those involved. He said everyone must remain vigilant to ensure that the benefits of this important government programme reach the actual beneficiaries.

The Deputy Speaker made these remarks at an exchange meeting held at the Kalmakanda upazila hall room in Netrokona at 3pm on Sunday, September 27.

Referring to the family card as a major project of the Prime Minister, Kaysar Kamal said the programme is being implemented as part of an election commitment. Therefore, no opportunity for irregularities should be given at any stage, from preparing the list to distributing the cards.

He said when the family card distribution programme began across the country, Kalmakanda was also brought under it. But proper verification was not done in preparing the list of beneficiaries. In particular, he alleged that although families that are most helpless and whose housing conditions are precarious were supposed to be given priority, this was not done in many cases.

The Deputy Speaker further said allegations have been received that some of those responsible for preparing the list went to the homes of comparatively well-off families and included them in the list first. He also warned that the list of beneficiaries must not be prepared by excluding genuinely poor and rootless families in any way.

Kaysar Kamal said, "No one will practise nepotism. If anyone commits irregularities, no one will be spared." He claimed that in the past, many BNP leaders and activists did not receive such government benefits. Again, there are allegations that even after a name was on the list, someone else took money instead of the actual person. He also warned that if anyone extorts in the name of family cards or farmer cards, two cases will be filed against them.

The Deputy Speaker called for informing the Upazila Executive Officer as well as directly informing him if any incident of irregularity or extortion comes to notice. He said if the allegations are found to be true, action will be taken against those concerned.

Kaysar Kamal also spoke about students from small ethnic communities at the meeting. He said students and families of this community have long been facing various problems, including drinking water, communication systems and education. He said he has requested the Prime Minister several times to ensure assistance for them. He also warned that no irregularities should occur in preparing the list of allocations and assistance for them.

Upazila Executive Officer M Abdullah Al Mamun, Officer-in-Charge of the police station Mohammad Sohel Rana, Upazila BNP President MA Khayer, General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bhuiyan, along with party leaders and activists and people from various walks of life, were present at the meeting.

Later, assistance cheques were distributed among students from small ethnic communities, members of families of those killed by lightning and several other students.