Serious allegations of irregularities have been raised in Kishoreganj over the selection of beneficiaries for the Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB) program for the 2025–26 fiscal year.
According to complaints, many of the 3,447 listed beneficiaries are not poor or vulnerable women, but rather wives and relatives of UP members, expatriate families, women from wealthy households, and even employees of government and private sectors. Reports claim each name was added for payments of Tk 5,000–7,000.
A written complaint submitted to the Deputy Commissioner states that the UP chairmen colluded with the Upazila Women’s Affairs Officer and UNO to approve the lists without proper verification. One example cited 479 well-off women who were included despite their financial stability.
The Upazila Women’s Affairs Officer admitted there may have been “mistakes and errors” due to limited field verification but said cards of the accused have been withheld pending investigation. UP chairmen, however, defended the process, saying the lists were prepared by a 23-member committee with input from political and sectoral representatives.
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