In Fatulla, Narayanganj, a husband and wife have been arrested for allegedly printing and selling fake ‘Family Cards’ by citing the election manifesto announced by BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. The arrest was confirmed on Monday (February 16) evening by Narayanganj Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) S. M. Foyez Uddin Ahmed.
“The accused couple has been detained after the initial verification of the allegations,” said S M Foyez. He added that legal action against them is underway and local residents have been warned not to pay money without proper verification if anyone offers such cards.
The arrested couple has been identified as Russel, also known as Zilani, and his wife, Hasina.
According to victims, the day after the national parliament elections, Russel and his wife began promoting their scheme in Narsingpur, Bakultala, Char Kashipur, and Madhya Narsingpur under the pretence of being BNP workers and using the name ‘Zisan Traders.’ They sold fake family cards to unsuspecting women at 50 taka per card, claiming that the cards would allow the holders to purchase various goods, including rice, lentils, oil, and meat, at a subsidized price of 1,285 taka per month. At least 300 families were reportedly targeted ahead of the upcoming Ramadan.
The first instalment of goods was scheduled to be distributed on Monday morning, but card holders received nothing, prompting them to realize they had been scammed. The aggrieved women subsequently gathered outside Zilani’s residence and staged a protest.
Local residents noted that most of the card buyers were women with limited education, making them more vulnerable to such schemes.
One cardholder, Jorina Khatun, said, “We were told these cards were being officially distributed by the company. We waited from 10:00 a.m., but even after calling, they did not answer the phone.”
Residents claim that Russel, also known as Zilani, is associated with a prominent BNP leader in the city.
Commenting on the incident, Fatulla Thana BNP President Shahidul Islam Titu said, “I do not know anyone named Russel or Zilani. He is not a member of our party. The person selling these family cards is clearly a fraudster, and he should be handed over to the law. We will not allow the party’s reputation to be tarnished.”
