Hard-pressed FF Protap gets recognition, not benefits
Protap Chandra Roy is yet to get the government allowances meant for freedom fighters (FFs) due to a 'slow process'.
After struggling to get recognition as a freedom fighter, the 65-year-old man from Kazirchawra village under Harati union in Sadar upazila have been earning his livelihood by selling spices items at people's doorsteps.
When Portap is waiting for over four decades to get his monthly allowance as a freedom fighter, another man in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur is enjoying the benefits, using the same serial number.
Nowadays, landless Protap, son of late Tarini Kanta Roy, and his ailing wife Bimala Rani, 55, are passing their days in hardship with the little income that comes from Protap's small trade.
Protap goes out of his house on a bicycle and roves at least eight villages every day for selling his products.
“I have a hut erected on my brother's land as I had to sell my homestead on two decimals of land during my daughter's marriage,” Protap said.
“I have submitted all the necessary documents to the Sadar upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) a few months ago,” Protap said, adding that after primary inquiry the UNO assured him of taking steps in this regard soon, but he is yet to receive any benefit.
When this correspondent tried to reach the other Protap from Uttar Dhamur village in Rangpur's Gangachara upazila for his comments, he declined to talk to the journalists.
While speaking over the phone, Gangachara UNO Taslima Begum said she joined the office recently and she wasn't aware of the matter.
During primary investigation they came to know that another Protap in Rangpur's Gangachara upazila has been enjoying the government benefits under the same serial No 205944, Sadar UNO Jayashree Rani Roy said.
After examining the documents she primarily assumes that the one from Lalmonirhat might have been deprived of the facilities meant for freedom fighters, the UNO added.
She already sent the inquiry report to the ministry concerned and the matter is under now process, UNO Jayashree said, adding that she was waiting for a positive reply soon.
“I fought the country's Liberation War when I was only 18 years old. I joined the fellow freedom fighters under Sector 6 and my serial No is 205944,” Protap said, adding that he got the recognition only on paper, but is yet to avail any benefits.
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