Nurujaman Kawsar, Narayanganj:

In Siddhirganj of Narayanganj, hundreds of women from poor families have suffered financial loss in the clutches of a cheating couple. Most of them are poor beggars. It has been alleged that the couple ran away after grabbing at least 20 lakhs taka from the women of these families by assuring them of old age allowance and government assistance.

The accused couple is Nasir Dewan and his wife Mahmuda Akhtar, permanent residents of Aksina Purwapara area of Kasba police station in Brahmanbaria district. They lived on rent in Nasir Villa in Mijmiji Terra Market area of Siddhirganj. Mahmuda Akhter pretends to be a gynecologist and associates with the victim women.

Talking to the victims, Mahmuda Akhtar and her husband Nasir Dewan assured to provide 50 kg of rice, 5 kg of dal, 5 kg of oil and 5 kg of sugar to the poor families every month for three years. The couple embarked on a mission targeting the poor families of the area. In order to gain trust, they delivered food items to the homes of two women named Hena Akhter and Saymana of Mijmiji Paglabari area. He lured other families by saying that they have to do ration card to get these food items every month. In good faith, the cheated handed over the resume, photocopy of national identity card, photo and 5 to 30 thousand taka to Mahmuda Akhter. Very carefully, the couple stole at least 20 lakhs taka from hundreds of families in the area in one month and covered up. Several widows have also been victims of their fraud.

It has been found that Anatunnesha 10 thousand, Jahanara 30 thousand, Farida 5 thousand, Hajera Khatun 10 thousand, Nasima 6 thousand, Kulsum 5 thousand, Amena Khatun 10 thousand, Masuda 10 thousand, Jannatul 7 thousand, Anna Khatun 5,000, Rupali Begum 5,000, Nasima Khatun 15,000, Kalpana 5,000, Jahura 15,000 and Ferdowsi Begum handed over 25,000 to fraudster Mahmuda Akhter.

These cheated women said with tears in their voices that Mahmuda Akhter used to introduce himself as a gynecologist at the National Hospital in Dhaka's Sadarghat area. Walked like a queen. I can't imagine that such a woman would cheat. He said when the time is up there will be no more cards. If you want to make a card, you will need money, but you are forbidden to tell anyone about the money. Card cannot be given. So I didn't say anything to anyone for fear of not getting the card. In this way, he ran away with whatever money he could from him. But don't worry if you contact the mobile phone, the card will be issued.

When asked to know, Saymana, who got foodstuff, said, Mahmuda Akhter told me that if you get a ration card, you will get government help. Card validity is 3 years. It takes a lot of money to make this card. He has acquaintances. Her husband is a government official so he can get the card at a reduced rate of Rs. If you ask how much it will take, he asks me 20,000 taka. I convinced him for 10 thousand taka. A few days after receiving the money, he personally delivered 50 kg of rice, 5 kg of dal, 5 kg of oil and 5 kg of sugar to my house. The card says to pay later.

Neighbor Hena Akhter said, "I asked Mahmuda to give the card after seeing that Saimana has received government assistance." Then he asked me 30 thousand taka. I agree to 20 thousand taka. Like Simona, she delivers groceries to my house. This makes everyone believe in him.

When the accused contacted Mahmuda Akhtar on his mobile phone, posing as a journalist, asked about the complaint, he cut the connection saying that he does not talk to strangers. After that, even after calling several times, it was not possible to connect.

OC of Siddhirganj police station Mohammad Abu Bakar Siddique said that no one has complained to the police station in this regard. Necessary legal action will be taken if complaints are received.