“You will get a family card if you go to the pond at midnight”: BNP leader assures poor woman

❐ Local correspondent

A local BNP leader has been accused of making indecent and inappropriate advances to a woman in exchange for a government assistance ‘family card’ in Shibpur, Narsingdi. The accused is Ashraf Uddin Akand, general secretary of Ward 2 BNP of Shibpur Municipality.

On Monday, July 27, a video containing the victim’s complaint went viral on social media, creating intense anger and excitement among the local political scene and the general public.

In the viral video, the victim woman alleged that BNP leader Ashraf Uddin Akand offered to meet her at a secluded pond around midnight, promising to give her a family card.

The woman also said that she had previously been systematically deprived of the benefits of various social security programs announced by the government for the poor and helpless because she had not responded to the leader’s immoral proposals.

The local BNP has faced severe criticism after the incident spread.

In this regard, Shibpur Municipality BNP General Secretary Zakir Hossain said, “I saw the video on social media. Ashraf Uddin contacted me and completely denied the allegation. We are taking the matter seriously. If the investigation finds any truth in the allegation, strict organizational action will be taken against him. On the other hand, if it is a false or conspiratorial allegation instigated by any group or individual, appropriate action will also be taken in that case.”

There is a storm of mixed reactions and strong condemnation across the region over such an immoral proposal to a woman to receive government assistance allocated for the poor and needy.

According to the common people, such behavior by political figures in the name of social assistance, taking advantage of helplessness, is unacceptable. Locals have demanded that the real truth be revealed through a fair and impartial investigation of the incident and that the culprit be punished appropriately.