A union council chairman reportedly extorted money from a beneficiary of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Ashrayan project in Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali.
Monirul Islam Talukder, chairman of Madhabkhali union council, allegedly gave away the house to one of his employees when the rightful owner refused to pay the money demanded from him, reports Bangla Tribune.
The victim Hiran Akon claims that the chairman had asked him for his NID copy and photos along with Tk30,000 cash during the listing of beneficiaries for homes to marginalized people under the Ashrayan project.
“So, I obliged. However, later when my house was allotted, the chairman called me and asked for Tk70,000 more. This time, I protested saying why should I have to pay for my house when it is being given to me for free by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he added.
As the rest of the money was not paid, the house was built on the land of Ayub Akon, the father of Md Shamim, an employee of the chairman’s fish enclosure, he added.
“Now, I live with my wife and children at my in-laws’ place. I do not go home for fear of the chairman,” said Hiran.
However, denying the allegations, Madhabkhali Chairman Monirul Islam Talukder said: “Who am I to give the house? I just listed the names [of the beneficiaries]. Where the house will be built is the responsibility of the project implementation office. I didn't take any money. However, if Hiran asks for my help in getting a house, I will help him.”
Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Rafiqul Islam said: “I was not in charge at that time, however, we can clarify the matter after going over the file documents.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tania Ferdous said the upazila administration will take action after receiving a written complaint in this regard.
