Latiful Azam, Kishoreganj (Nilphamari)

Members of UP extorted and embezzled Tk 85,000 from the workers of Magura Union Employment Project (EGPP) of Kishoreganj Upazila of Nilphamari.  Going to the ground on Sunday morning, it was found that in the South Singergari Majhapara area of the union, before the last Eid-ul-Azhar, 12 thousand taka of 36 working days of the 40-day employment generation project (EGPP) was deposited in the mobile banking account of each beneficiary. As the beneficiaries withdrew their money, Rabiul Islam, UP member of Ward No. 9 of Magura Union, went to each beneficiary’s house and pressured them to withdraw 5,000 taka for the cost of the Union Parishad case (by giving a lame excuse). But when the beneficiaries went to UP Chairman Akhtaruzzaman Mithu without paying, he also asked to pay. He threatened the beneficiaries that if the money is not paid, they will exclude the old members and include new members. 5,000 taka to UP member Rabiul Islam against their will so that the beneficiaries are not excluded from that benefit. UP member Rabiul Islam also expressed fear that if the matter is reported to journalists and even if any officers are informed, their names will be removed from the list. Beneficiaries of that area Kechuani, Sundari Begum, Shilpi Rani, Lucky Begum, Zobeya Begum and Eskena Begum said, we poor people, how can we live with the money of cutting this soil for 6 months a year. From him, the chairman members took money from us by coercion. He said that if we do not get the money, our name will be removed. What will happen to us if we don’t get the work to cut the soil. Because of that fear, we have given money to the journalist.  When Rabiul Islam was spoken to in this regard, he denied all the allegations and said, “I have no money from any beneficiary.”  Magura Union Parishad Chairman Akhtaruzzaman Mithu said, I did not ask any person to pay money. Action will be taken if someone gives money to the member if they complain.  Upazila project implementation officer Rashedul Islam said, no one has complained to me in this regard. If anyone embezzles the labor money of the beneficiaries, action will be taken against him.  Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nur-E-Alam Siddiki said, if complaints are received, action will be taken subject to investigation.