Politicisation in recruitment for Family Card alleged in Jaldhaka
Nilphamari Correspondent
Allegations of political bias and nepotism have surfaced over the recruitment of union supervisors and data collectors for the government’s Family Card programme in Jaldhaka upazila, Nilphamari.
Local candidates and concerned citizens alleged that the recruitment committee, led by Jaldhaka UNO Jannatul Ferdous Happy, allegedly selected candidates based on recommendations from local leaders of the BNP and its associate bodies.
According to the published results, several newly appointed union supervisors hold active posts or close family ties with BNP political figures. For instance, Abu Sayeed Shakil, appointed for Jaldhaka Municipality, serves as the president of the Jaldhaka Government College Chhatra Dal unit. Imtiaz Chowdhury Suman, appointed in Khutamara Union, is a local Chhatra Dal leader, while Asma Akhtar, appointed in Shimulbari Union, is the wife of Union Jubo Dal President Rabiul Islam Joni.
Similar political affiliations were noted for appointees in Golna, Shoulmari, Golmunda, and Kaimari unions, where selected individuals are either local BNP office-bearers or immediate relatives of senior party members.
Frustrated applicants who appeared in the viva voce expressed outrage, questioning the point of evaluating qualifications and merit if political patronage determines selection. "If political identity is the primary criterion for government appointments, conducting interviews and taking applications from general candidates is nothing but a farce," an applicant stated on condition of anonymity.
Local observers warned that partisan appointments risk compromising the neutrality of a critical welfare scheme designed to collect sensitive socio-economic data from households.
Deprived candidates have demanded full transparency by calling on authorities to make interview marks and evaluation criteria public, alongside a thorough re-examination of the recruitment process by higher officials.
Attempts to reach Jaldhaka UNO Jannatul Ferdous Happy over the phone for comments were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.
