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Independent candidate Rumeen Farhana has alleged that members of parliament siphon off half of the government development allocations meant for their constituencies, leaving only a fraction for actual work.
Addressing a views-exchange meeting on Monday afternoon in Ward No. 2 of Panishor Union in Sarail Upazila, the Brahmanbaria-2 candidate criticised what she described as widespread dishonesty among MPs, bdnews24.com reports.
“If an MP is honest, no contractor on earth has the power to steal,” she said.
Expanding on her claim, Rumeen said corruption in development work follows a fixed pattern.
“The problem is that MPs keep 50 percent, their associates take 25 percent, contractors pocket 20 percent, and only 5 percent of the money is spent on actual work,” she alleged.
She said there was no difference between government and independent MPs when it comes to allocations.
“Whether an MP is from the government or independent, the allocation is the same. If the MP does not steal, there is no difficulty in getting work done -- public or private,” she said.
Rumeen, who was recently expelled from the BNP, also warned that governments are compelled to listen to public demands.
“There is no government that does not listen to us. If they do not, we can block the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway,” she said, hinting at protest action.
Highlighting the electoral importance of Panishor, she said: “The tide of Panishor spreads across Sarail and Ashuganj. Whoever the people of Panishor vote for becomes an MP. I will succeed here. Just as you helped my father win, you will help me win too.”
Speaking on local development, Rumeen emphasised the role of expatriates in sustaining the national and rural economy.
She said it was the responsibility of MPs to ensure proper training opportunities for migrant workers.
“Expatriates keep the wheels of the country’s and villages’ economy moving,” she said.
Referring to her personal background, she said she has no family members living in Bangladesh.
“My relatives are abroad. I have no pressure, no one will line up expecting favours,” she said.
“The relatives who are abroad are actually giving me small support for this election. After I win, they will not come to this country to claim benefits. The benefits will go to the people of my area,” she added.
She also spoke about her electoral symbol, saying: “In Sha Allah, you will know the symbol on the 22nd. The duck symbol is my target. We will try to contest with the duck symbol.”
After being expelled from the BNP, Rumeen is contesting the Brahmanbaria-2 seat as an independent candidate.
In the same constituency, the BNP alliance candidate is Maulana Junayed Al Habib of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam.