Narsingdi BNP Leader Accused of Demanding Favours for Welfare

A local politician in Shibpur, Narsingdi district, has found himself at the centre of a bitter controversy following allegations that he demanded inappropriate personal favours from a distressed woman in exchange for enrolling her in a government social safety net scheme.

Ashraf Uddin Akand, the General Secretary of the Ward No. 2 branch of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Shibpur Municipality, stands accused of asking the victim to meet him at midnight near a local pond. In return, he allegedly promised to secure her a “Family Card”—a state-issued identity document that grants low-income households access to essential subsidised commodities such as food staples.

The scandal erupted on Monday (27 July) after a video detailing the woman’s account gained widespread traction on social media, triggering intense debate across local political circles and the broader community. According to the complainant, this was not an isolated incident. She alleged that her repeated refusals to yield to the politician’s advances in the past had resulted in her systematic exclusion from official assistance programmes intended for vulnerable citizens.

In Bangladesh, social security initiatives like the Family Card scheme serve as vital lifelines for impoverished households struggling with rising living costs. Typically administered through municipal authorities and ward representatives, the allocation of these benefits often relies heavily on local political officials to identify eligible beneficiaries. Critics have long noted that such discretionary power creates opportunities for nepotism, harassment, and corruption, leaving vulnerable residents exposed to potential abuse of office.

Strongly denying the charges, Mr Akand claimed the allegations were a calculated attempt by rivals within his own party to tarnish his reputation. Addressing the physical plausibility of the claim, he pointed out that he had fractured his leg approximately five months ago and remains unable to walk properly, making a late-night meeting logistically impossible.

Mr Akand offered an alternative explanation for the dispute, stating that the complainant—a resident of Khoria village in the neighbouring Mashimpur Union—had previously approached him seeking distribution slips for clothes and rice ahead of the Eid festivities. He asserted that her hostility stemmed entirely from his inability to fulfil that request at the time.

Senior leadership within the party has acknowledged the gravity of the matter. Zakir Hossain, the General Secretary of Shibpur Municipal BNP, confirmed he had reviewed the viral video and spoken with the accused. Whilst noting that Mr Akand maintained his innocence, Mr Hossain promised that the party would conduct a thorough internal inquiry. He assured the public that strict organisational measures would be taken if the allegations were proved true, whilst also warning of action if the claims turned out to be a fabricated smear campaign.

Meanwhile, residents of Shibpur remain divided, with many calling for an independent statutory investigation to establish the facts and ensure integrity in public welfare administration.