A list of beneficiaries of Eid-ul-Azha allocations from the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund in Koira upazila of Khulna has triggered controversy after it was found that relatives of a lawmaker, his personal assistant, and local party-linked individuals were among the recipients.
The list, which was recently made public, shows that 201 people were selected under a Tk 10 lakh allocation for Eid assistance. Of this, Tk 4.15 lakh was distributed in Koira upazila, while the remaining portion is set for distribution in Paikgachha.
According to the document, some beneficiaries received Tk 4,000 while others were given Tk 2,000, raising questions over alleged unequal distribution and favoritism.
Among those named are Abu Obaida, personal assistant (APS) to MP Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the MP’s nephew Ahsan Habib, and several local leaders linked to Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir.
Several residents alleged they were initially told the assistance was part of the MP’s Eid allocation and were given Tk 2,000 each, while others on the same list reportedly received Tk 4,000.
Local Jamaat leaders said most recipients were poor and needy, adding that some party activists included in the list also fall under that category.
However, opposition political figures and civil society representatives alleged that comparatively well-off individuals and party affiliates were favored, calling for an investigation into the distribution process.
Koyra Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdullah Al Baki said relief funds are intended for the poor and vulnerable, but MPs often prepare special lists for festival-based allocations under existing procedures.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over transparency and fairness in the distribution of government welfare funds.
