In Kishoreganj Upazila, Nilphamari, the local administration has identified approximately 1,500 deceased individuals while verifying the list of beneficiaries under various social security programs. Family members of some of these deceased individuals stated that they were unaware that their relatives' names remained on the allowance list long after their passing.
They have demanded an investigation into who withdrew the funds allocated in the names of these deceased persons. Meanwhile, the administration has taken action; the relevant list has been forwarded to higher authorities, and a process is underway to correct the records in accordance with official regulations.
According to the Upazila administration, there are 30,872 beneficiaries under various social security programs in Kishoreganj Upazila. Recipients of old-age and widow allowances receive 700 taka per month, while those receiving disability allowances get 1,000 taka per month. During a recent verification of beneficiary data, 1,472 deceased individuals were identified. However, it has not yet been confirmed exactly how much money was withdrawn in their names, nor whether funds were misappropriated in every instance.
Aklima Begum, from Bajedumuria village in the Upazila’s Sadar Union, passed away 12 to 13 years ago; yet, it was recently discovered that her name was still on the old-age allowance list. Her husband, Sultan Ali, stated that he only learned of this long after her death. He has demanded an investigation to determine who included her name on the list and to which mobile number the allowance payments were sent. Furthermore, he has called for the recovery of any misappropriated funds and for action to be taken against those responsible for the irregularities.
Ahsan Habib, son of the late Panir Uddin from the Kellabari area of Bogulagari village in Chandkhana Union, reported that his father passed away in 2019. The family was unaware that his father’s name remained on the old-age allowance list. He has questioned where the allowance payments were being sent—specifically, to which mobile number—and insists that this matter be thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, allegations have emerged that the names of deceased individuals remain on the beneficiary lists for government allowances across various unions in the upazila. Family members of the affected individuals have demanded a thorough verification of these claims, including the timing of the initial enrollment and details regarding any funds that may have been disbursed.
However, the Upazila Social Services Office has provided a different account regarding some of the allegations circulating on social media. The office states that there is no beneficiary named 'Mohoni Bala' on their records. Additionally, they clarified that the allowance for the late Abdul Majid was discontinued following his death. Consequently, sources indicate that each allegation circulating on social media requires individual verification to determine its accuracy.
Meanwhile, once the matter came to the administration's attention, information concerning the deceased beneficiaries was forwarded to higher authorities. According to official records, a letter was sent to the Deputy Commissioner on September 16, 2026. As the necessary lists were not received from the union committees, follow-up reminders were issued on September 20, 24, and 27. Subsequently, the Deputy Commissioner forwarded the list of deceased beneficiaries to the Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare. The relevant documentation cites the official policy for allowance implementation and the corresponding government notification.
In accordance with a decision by the Upazila Allowance Implementation Committee, it was resolved on October 7, 2026, to suspend the allowances for the individuals in question and to withhold the payroll for the first installment. Through these administrative measures, steps have been initiated to identify and rectify discrepancies within the beneficiary lists.
Upazila Social Services Officer Zakir Hossain stated that misinformation regarding the operations of the Social Services Office is being spread in various quarters. He emphasized that the office is working diligently to ensure that government assistance reaches the intended, eligible beneficiaries. He further noted that if any staff member—or any other individual—is found to be involved in the inclusion of names of deceased persons on the lists, appropriate action will be taken following an investigation. He also pointed to the responsibility of the union committees regarding the continued presence of deceased individuals' names on the lists.
Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Arifur Rahman stated that approximately 1,500 deceased beneficiaries have been identified through the verification process. Efforts are currently underway to correct and update the lists in accordance with established regulations, and the details of these deceased beneficiaries have been communicated to the higher authorities. Appropriate action will be taken if anyone is found to have misappropriated allowance funds intended for others.
The presence of deceased individuals on the beneficiary list has raised questions regarding the processes for verifying recipients, updating records, and distributing funds. However, before holding anyone accountable for the misappropriation of funds, it is essential to investigate the relevant documentation, mobile banking transactions, and the enrollment process. Stakeholders hope that, alongside the measures taken by the administration, an impartial investigation into these allegations—followed by the disclosure of the actual facts—will lead to a resolution of the matter.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Nilphamari Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
