Many denied VGF cards, nepotism alleged

Many flood-affected farmers in the haor areas of different upazilas under Sunamganj are not getting Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) cards due to alleged nepotism and irregularities in preparing the lists of beneficiaries.

A complaint signed by 102 deprived farmers of Badarpur village in Beheli union under Jamalganj upazila has been submitted to the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) against a union parishad (UP) member.

"Rice and money were distributed last Monday and Tuesday but we the affected farmers didn't get it. Local UP member Abdul Hashim distributed it mostly among the middle class people including his relatives. VGF cards were given to some couples in the area both of whom are government employees," goes the complaint.

The UP member concerned was summoned following the complaints from the farmers of Badarpur village. Legal action will be taken after investigation," said Jamalganj UNO Prasun Kumar Chakraborty.

UP member Abdul Hashim claimed that he has not done any irregularities.

Fifty local farmers submitted a petition to the UNO against Mizanur Rahman, UP member in ward No 4 of Simulbagh union under Dakkhin Sunamganj upazila, alleging that VGF cards were distributed to the UP member's relatives and ruling party men instead of the affected farmers. 

“The early flood washed away crops on my six acres of lands. But I did not get any VGF card," Monu Mia, a farmer in Kathalia village said.

Moin Mia of the same village said, "We the affected farmers are not getting VGF rice even after standing in the line for hours. The UP member distributed VGF cards to his relatives and they are selling it for high prices.

Contacted, Mizanur Rahman, member of 4 No ward, said, "The allegations are false. I got a limited number of VGF cards that is too scanty for the flood-affected people."

Babul Mia and Nitay Das, farmers of Sukhair village, filed a petition to the UNO against Iman Ali, UP member of Sukhair Uttar Rajapur union under Dharampasha upazila, who listed the names of his sons Jiku Mia and Riku Mia and wife Saleha Begum for VGF cards.

Asked about the matter, Iman Ali said, "I took three cards as early flood washed away crops on my vast lands."