Couple Arrested for Selling Fake ‘Family Cards’ in Market

In Fatulla, Narayanganj, a husband and wife have been arrested for printing and selling fraudulent “family cards,” allegedly exploiting the manifesto announced by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman as a pretext. The Narayanganj Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), S M Foyez Uddin Ahmed, confirmed the arrests on Monday evening (16 February).

Speaking to reporters, S M Foyez stated that the arrests were made after preliminary verification of the complaints. “The accused couple is currently in custody, and appropriate legal action is underway. Residents are advised not to hand over money for such cards without proper verification,” he warned.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rasel, also known as Zilani, and his wife Hasina.

Modus Operandi

Victims report that the couple began promoting the fake cards immediately following the national parliamentary election. They targeted areas within Kashipur Union, including Narsingpur, Bakultala, Char Kashipur, and Madhya Narsingpur, posing as BNP activists. Operating under the name “Jisan Traders,” they approached vulnerable women, offering the cards in exchange for 50 taka each.

The cards purportedly promised that holders could purchase monthly rations—including rice, lentils, oil, and meat—worth 1,285 taka. The scheme targeted at least 300 families, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

However, when the first instalment of goods was due on Monday morning, cardholders received nothing. Realising they had been defrauded, the victims—mostly women—gathered at Zilani’s residence to protest.

Distribution Areas and Victim Profile

Local residents noted that the majority of card purchasers were uneducated women, making them susceptible to such fraudulent schemes. One victim, Zarina Khatun, told reporters, “We were told the government was distributing these cards officially. We waited from 10 a.m., but even after repeated calls, the couple did not respond.”

Allegedly, Rasel, or Zilani, has ties to a prominent BNP leader in the city, though the party leadership has distanced itself from the fraud. Shaheedul Islam Titu, president of the Fatulla BNP branch, emphasised, “I do not know anyone named Rasel or Zilani. He is not a member of our party. Anyone involved in selling these family cards is clearly a fraudster and must face the law. We will not allow the party’s reputation to be tarnished.”

Authorities have urged local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious offers, particularly those invoking political affiliations or promises of subsidised goods.