Residents in extreme distress due to corruption and irregularities of 8 members of Rajshahi's No. 4 Mougachi Union Parishad.

Daily Bijoy News, Rajshahi Correspondent:

Allegations of various corruptions, irregularities, and nepotism have been raised against eight members of No. 4 Mougachi Union Parishad in Mohanpur Upazila, Rajshahi. Due to these activities, the general people of the union are suffering through various ordeals. Local sources report that for a long time, some public representatives of that union have been involved in irregularities in the distribution of various government project cards, VGD-VGF, old age allowances, widow allowances, disability allowances, and other aid cards. The general public has complained that they are forced to pay a certain amount of bribe to receive government cards or aid. Multiple victims stated that some local member representatives are misappropriating government assistance and including names of relatives and political supporters in the beneficiary lists, taking advantage of their positions. As a result, the genuinely impoverished population is being deprived of their rightful opportunities.

Recently, following the allegations, strong criticism has emerged in the area regarding the union's unjust activities. Locals report that, violating the council's policies and transparency, Major Ali Biswas was sworn in as the new panel chairman, which is now questionable to many. Although the local administration has taken charge, area residents say that Panel Chairman Major Ali Biswas is not the only culprit; these members were involved in various irregularities and misdeeds while they were in charge of their respective wards. Victims from all wards under the responsibility of Chairman Major Ali Biswas are highlighting the various misdeeds and irregularities of the members, stating that if the chairman ensures proper justice, excluding the members' personal interests. Because of not accepting the unethical activities of these members, these members have brought a motion of no confidence against Major Ali Biswas.

Local people further said that in the last seven or eight months, we haven't seen any members at the union parishad; today, they are distributing rice, and we see all the members. They don't wish us well; they are all self-serving representatives; we don't need any of them. When the election comes, we don't want representatives like them, say the conscious citizens of the area. Those who are supposed to work for the people with public money are now entangled in corruption and increasing the suffering of the common people. We want immediate administrative intervention. When asked about the allegations, the concerned UP chairman and several members were unwilling to speak. However, upazila administration sources said that steps are being taken to investigate the matter, and if evidence is found, action will be taken according to the law. Meanwhile, people from various villages of the union have appealed to the administration to quickly investigate the corrupt members and take appropriate action so that the people can get back their rightful services.

Daily Bijoy News / Md. Rajib Khan