Allegations have surfaced that some union parishad members collected Tk 3,000 to Tk 5,000 from poor residents in Matarbari Union in exchange for government-provided sanitary toilets that were supposed to be distributed free of charge.
According to local residents, around 500 toilets are being distributed under a sanitation programme in the union. Beneficiaries allege that some local representatives demanded money despite instructions that the facilities be provided at no cost.
Residents have also complained about the quality of construction materials, alleging shortages of bricks, cement and sand and the use of weak components, raising concerns about the durability and safety of the toilets.
They have called for an investigation, legal action against those responsible and the return of money allegedly collected from beneficiaries.
A representative of the contractor said they were unaware of any money being collected and that their responsibility was limited to constructing and handing over the sanitation facilities. Matarbari Union Parishad Chairman Abu Haider also said he was unaware of the allegations.
Maheshkhali Upazila Public Health Officer Sudarshan said collecting any fee for the distribution of sanitary toilets was illegal and unjustified.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Imran Mahmud Dalim said the allegations were concerning and that the administration would investigate the matter and take necessary action against those found responsible.
