Opposition claims bias in relief aid, govt rejects charge

Opposition lawmakers in Parliament on Monday alleged discrimination in disaster relief distribution, claiming that government assistance was being allocated preferentially to constituencies represented by ruling party MPs. The government, however, rejected the allegations, saying relief is provided strictly based on need and demand.

The issue was raised during the question-and-answer session of the Jatiya Sangsad, chaired by Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal.

National Citizen Party MP Akhter Hossen alleged that on 30 April, the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry distributed Tk85 lakh along with 90 tonnes of rice and wheat, which he claimed were allocated only to constituencies held by ruling party MPs. He questioned whether disaster mapping or allocation criteria had changed to exclude opposition constituencies.

“Disasters do not distinguish between ruling and opposition parties. These allocations come from taxpayers’ money,” he said, adding that relief should be distributed equitably regardless of political affiliation.

He further remarked that natural disasters affect all citizens equally and should not be treated through a political lens.

In response, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu rejected the allegation, stating that relief materials are available at the district level through deputy commissioners.

He said programmes such as Test Relief and Food for Work are distributed based on demand letters submitted by MPs and local requirements.

The minister assured the House that constituencies requesting assistance would receive allocations soon. “I believe within a day or two, they will receive their allocations,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal also intervened, assuring lawmakers that relief would be provided without delay.

Responding to another query from NCP MP Abdul Hannan Masud, the minister said that since the current government took office, every constituency has received disaster relief allocations in the 2025-26 fiscal year, with additional support provided based on local needs and formal requests.