Dhaka, Oct 14 (V7N): Several Ansar members, tasked with securing puja mandaps alongside law enforcement agencies, have alleged that they were forced to pay bribes to secure their assignments.

The claims, originating from Kotalipara upazila in Gopalganj, suggest that each member had to pay between Tk300 and Tk600 for duty at Durga Puja mandaps.

This year, Durga Puja was celebrated at 322 temples in Kotalipara, with 2,063 Ansar members deployed for security.

The assignments were reportedly managed by upazila Ansar-VDP officials, who coordinated through union-level commanders.

As per the upazila Ansar office, each member was supposed to receive Tk2,800 for five days of duty, paid via mobile banking.

However, several personnel claimed they had to pay bribes ranging from Tk300 to Tk600 in advance to secure their postings.

Bilkis Begum and Nehar Begum, who were assigned to West Bandhwari Sarvajanin Durga Temple, stated that they each paid Tk600 for their positions.

Abdul Jalil, the Ansar assistant commander for Bandhabari union, reportedly collected the payments. Jalil confirmed taking the money, claiming it covered "various expenses, including van rentals and muster roll processing," with part allocated for "office expenses."

In another instance, only two Ansar members were found on duty at the Thakur Bari Sarbajanin Durga Mandap in Polsair village, despite 52 members being assigned across eight mandaps in the area. This appointment was allegedly overseen by Hiron Union Assistant Commander Kalpana Biswas Tapu, who is also accused of misappropriating funds through fake names.

When contacted, Kalpana Biswas declined to comment.

Upazila Ansar VDP Officer Rushan Khan stated, "There is no provision for collecting money to assign Ansar members for Durga Puja duty. If any commander or assistant commander is found involved in such activities, the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and action will be taken if the allegations are proven."

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