BNP Leader Accused of Offering Family Card for Late-Night Meeting

An allegation has surfaced in Shibpur, Narsingdi, that a local BNP leader allegedly offered to arrange a ‘Family Card’ for a woman in exchange for meeting him beside a pond at midnight.

The allegation was made against Ashraf Uddin Akand, general secretary of Ward No. 2 BNP in Shibpur municipality. A video containing the woman’s allegations began circulating on social media on Monday (27 July), triggering discussion and criticism among local residents and within the political community.

According to the woman, Akand allegedly asked her to meet him near a pond at around midnight, suggesting that he would help her obtain a ‘Family Card’ in return. She further alleged that she had previously been denied access to various government social safety-net benefits and assistance intended for poor and vulnerable people after refusing what she described as inappropriate proposals from the BNP leader.

The allegations have drawn particular attention because social protection schemes are intended to support economically disadvantaged and vulnerable households. Any claim that access to such benefits was linked to personal demands or improper conduct has therefore raised concern locally. However, the allegations have not been independently verified, and the circulating video alone does not establish their authenticity.

Akand has categorically denied the accusations, describing them as a politically motivated campaign intended to damage his reputation. He said some members of his own party were allegedly behind the purported misinformation.

‘My leg was fractured nearly five months ago, and I have still not fully recovered. Under these circumstances, there is no question of my going to a pond-side location at midnight,’ he said, urging people to consider his physical condition before reaching any conclusion.

He also offered an alternative explanation for the dispute. According to him, the woman is a resident of Kharia village in Mashimpur Union and had approached him during Eid seeking clothing and a rice distribution slip. He claimed he was unable to provide the requested assistance and that allegations were subsequently made against him.

The matter has also drawn the attention of the local BNP leadership. Zakir Hossain, general secretary of Shibpur Municipal BNP, said he had seen the video circulating on social media and that Akand had contacted him to deny the allegations.

‘The matter is being taken seriously. If an investigation establishes that the allegations are true, organisational action will be taken against him. If, on the other hand, it is found that false allegations were made at the instigation of an individual or group, appropriate action will also be considered,’ Hossain said.

The controversy has prompted mixed reactions in the area. While some residents have called for accountability if the allegations are substantiated, others have urged caution until the claims are properly investigated.

Local residents have called for an impartial inquiry to establish what actually happened. The allegations, counterclaims and political explanations remain disputed, making an objective investigation essential before any definitive conclusion is reached.