Our Correspondent, Savar
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer or UNO of Savar is allegedly extorting money in the name of so-called relief fund from local public representatives. According to sources, the UNO collected the fund reportedly to help poor people who are suffering amid lockdown in the face of coronavirus outbreak. However, denying all allegations, Parvezur Rahman, UNO of Savar claimed, “All the allegations brought against me are totally false. Relief distribution activities are continuing, and would be continued.”
Meanwhile, several union parishad chairmen of Savar alleged that they were forced to donate in cash to representatives of Parvezur Rahman, as the government allotted relief has exhausted a long ago following ongoing crisis amid coronavirus spread in the country. Many UP chairmen were now distributing food assistance among poor people from private fund. But they alleged that they are yet to get any relief assistance from UNO office despite paying cash money for this so-called relief fund.
Mohammad Saiful Islam, Chairman of Bangaon Union Parishad of Savar said, “I have paid taka 50 thousands to UNO Savar when he sent his men saying they were collecting the money for relief fund for poor people.” Mohammad Shuruz, Chairman of Shimulia Union Parishad of Savar said, “Parvezur Rahman, the UNO had asked me to pay taka 50,000 to his representatives.”
“Dhamshona Union Parishad Chairman and Ashulia Union Parishad Chairman also paid the same amount when the UNO had sent his gangs to them.” he added. Anowar Hossain, Chairman of Vakurta Union Parishad said, “The UNO had asked me to pay the fixed amount of Tk 50,000 but I have not paid yet.” Seeking anonymity, Several Union Parishad Chairmen and secretaries of Union Parishad said that the government allotted a total of 100 metric ton of rice (GR) for Savar Upazila until now. About 60 metric tons of rice has already been distributed in 12 union parishads areas through concerned up chairmen in Savar Upazila.”
Shahab Uddin, Chairman of Ashulia Union Parishad said, “Some chairmen have paid taka 50,000while many others have paid more than Tk 50,000.” Meanwhile, many people have alleged that despite making public announcement the UNO did not distribute the relief to many who sought help.
