UP member Bobita’s fame counterproductive

When many public representatives draw flak because of their negative activities, some stand apart setting an example to others. Bobita Khatun, a newly-elected member of Mulgram Union Parishad in Pabna's Chatmohar upazila, has attracted the attention of the netizens.

Her photographs, in which she was seen working as a day labourer, have gone viral on social media. However, her sudden rise to fame has proven to be counterproductive as the UP chairman has insisted that she not continue her work being a local representative.

Bobita Khatun, a worker under Rural Employment and Road Maintenance Programme (RERMP) under the Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED), had been earning Tk 250 a day over the last few years and she continued her work even after winning the election held on November 28 last year.

"I belong to a poor family. My husband left me and my son over a decade ago. Since then I have been working as a day labourer to survive with my son," Bobita said.

"After being elected a member, I continued my work; recently some of my photos went viral on social media and few reports were published highlighting my work," she said adding, that "as the UP chairman has asked me to discontinue my work, I have stopped working as a day labourer from the begging of this month. However, I am now struggling to survive."

"I contested the UP elections borrowing around Tk two lakh from different organisations. I spent the money for election campaigns and now I have to repay the loan but I don't know how," she said.

Asked why she contested the elections borrowing money, Bobita said she did so to fulfil her late mother's dream to work for the poor people.

"As a poor woman, I know how others like me survive in society. I will try my best to work for the people in my area," she also said.

Contacted, Mulgram UP Chairman Md Rashidul Islam Bokul said, "As a UP member she has some duties, therefore, I have asked her to leave her work as a labourer."

The chairman said as a UP member she will get TK 3500 as allowance and they have assured her of help.