Rangpur-4 MP Akhter Hossen has alleged that recent government relief allocations under TR (Rural Infrastructure Maintenance Program) and KABIKHA (Rural Infrastructure Reform Program) were distributed only to ruling party constituencies, leaving opposition-held seats completely excluded.
Raising the issue during the question-and-answer session of the National Parliament on Monday, the opposition MP questioned whether a separate disaster map has been drawn for the government and opposition.
“Has there been any change in Bangladesh’s disaster map? On 30 April, allocations from the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry went only to government party constituencies. No opposition constituency received any,” he said.
He added, “If disasters are only supposed to occur in ruling party constituencies and not in opposition ones, that would be a different matter. But in reality, when a disaster strikes, everyone suffers — both ruling and opposition party supporters.”
The opposition MP further alleged that Tk85 lakh and 90 tonnes of rice and wheat were allocated exclusively to ruling party MPs’ constituencies on 30 April.
“This allocation comes from public tax money. Ordinary people in opposition constituencies have become victims of discrimination,” Akhter Hossen said, demanding equitable distribution for opposition-held seats.
Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, who presided over the session, described the issue as a “very fundamental question.”
“If the allegation is true, then it is certainly inappropriate. I hope the honourable minister will clarify the matter,” he said.
In response, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said the government is conducting various disaster management activities, including constructing shelters for floods and cyclones, while keeping cash and rice reserves with district commissioners for emergency situations.
“Those MPs who submit requisition forms to us receive allocations. I believe they will receive their allocations within the next day or two,” the minister said.
Addressing opposition members directly, he said, “You will also receive them. Those among you who have submitted requisition forms have been allocated. It will reach you very soon.”
