Though there was no allocation for the project in Jalalpur union under Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj, it was alleged that there were reports of taking bribe in the name of giving houses.
The families of the victims also said that many poor people paid bribes to local member in the hope that they would get houses.
It is learned that Mst. Sabina Akhter, a reserved female member of wards 7, 8 and 9 of Jalalpur Union, collected a huge amount of money in the name of giving house. However, no one knows whether the project will come to this union in future or not. The government is constructing free houses for the very poor families who have land at grassroots level but cannot afford to build houses under the Asrayan Project-2, which is funded by the Prime Minister's Office.
Under this project, houses are being constructed in different unions of the upazila. In the last 2019-20 financial year, houses were constructed in Jalalpur Union as per the allocation of the project. However, this year the project has not come yet but it will come in the future, she said, adding that in the name of giving one house to the very poor people of Sabina area of Jalalpur 7, 8 and 9, 5-10 thousand taka has been taken from each and 20 thousand taka from others. It is allegedly known.
The victim Reshma Akhter said, 'Sabina, a member of wards 7, 8 and 9 of Jalalpur Union, took 20 thousand taka to give me a house. I haven't got a house yet. I did not get any money.’ Another victim Mamata Begum said, 'Sabina, a female member, took Taka 10 thousand in the name of giving me a house. I haven't got a house yet. Nowadays, she is just harassing me.’ Khodeja Akhter said, 'I gave Tk 5 thousand to Sabina member on interest to get the house. But I still haven't got the house. When I go for the house, she shows me corona excuse and send me away.’
Accused female member Sabina Akhter said, "If the news is published in her name, she will take a look at the journalists." She further said, "I have given share to Rostam chairman, and I have also proved that my name is Sabina Membarni."
Jalalpur UP chairman Golap Mia said, "I have heard such allegations.
Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md. Abdul Alim said, "There is no land in the union, no house, no allocation for this project has come yet." I don't know if it will come in the future.This is completely a government project. There is no question of giving money to anyone here.
KatiadiUpazilaNirbahi Officer Mst. Aktarunnessa said, "Action will be taken subject to investigation."
