Police in Fatulla, have arrested a married couple, Rasel alias Zilani and his wife Hasina, for allegedly printing and distributing counterfeit ‘family cards’ to defraud local residents. The pair reportedly exploited the name of BNP chairman ’s election manifesto to lend credibility to their scheme.
The arrest followed a police raid on Monday night (16 February) by the Fatulla Model Police Station, during which a substantial cache of illegally printed family cards was recovered. Sources from the area reveal that the couple had begun distributing these cards in Kashipur Union, covering Narshingpur, Bakultala, Char Kashipur, and Madhya Narshingpur.
Method of Fraud
According to police, Rasel and Hasina posed as BNP affiliates and operated under the guise of a company named ‘Jisan Traders’. They sold the fake family cards for 50 BDT each, assuring purchasers that the cards would allow them to buy goods worth 1,285 BDT per month, including rice, lentils, oil, and meat. With Ramadan approaching, the couple had reportedly distributed cards to at least 300 families.
The first batch of promised goods was due on Monday morning. However, as noon passed, no deliveries were made. Realising they had been deceived, a group of affected women confronted the couple at their residence in protest.
One buyer, Zulekha Begum, said:
“We were told these cards were officially issued by a government company. We have been waiting since 10 a.m., but no one came, and our calls went unanswered.”
Local Reaction and Administrative Action
Shaheedul Islam Titu, president of Fatulla BNP, stated:
“I do not know Rasel alias Zilani. He is not a member of our party. The person selling these cards is undoubtedly a fraudster, and he should be handed over to the law. We will not allow the party’s reputation to be tarnished.”
Narayanganj Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) S.M. Faiz Uddin confirmed the arrests:
“Rasel alias Zilani and his wife Hasina have been detained. Fatulla Model Police recovered a large quantity of illegally printed family cards. Appropriate legal action will be taken against them.”
Family Card Sale Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Sellers | Rasel alias Zilani and Hasina |
| Organisation | Jisan Traders |
| Target Customers | Vulnerable women |
| Number of Cards Sold | Approximately 300 families |
| Price per Card | 50 BDT |
| Promised Goods | Rice, lentils, oil, meat worth 1,285 BDT monthly |
| Sale Areas | Narshingpur, Bakultala, Char Kashipur, Madhya Narshingpur |
| Administrative Action | Police raid and arrests, legal proceedings underway |
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and heightened vigilance among local residents. Authorities have reiterated warnings against fraudulent schemes and are intensifying operations to prevent further scams.