The VGF programme, a social safety net programme, provides food to low income and other vulnerable groups who cannot meet basic needs for survival as a result of natural disasters or socio-economic circumstances, such as age, illness or disease. In 2010, nearly five million people received assistance.
On 8 September, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) reported almost 80 percent of VGF cardholders in Gaibandha District, northern Bangladesh, had not received the food subsidy: Out of 13 villages in Monohorpur Union, Palasbari sub-district, only 1,000 families from seven villages were on the list of beneficiaries; six villages were excluded altogether. Local political leaders had taken the VGF cards of 600 families.
“The unabated corruption will further endanger the lives of the poorest of the poor and the total number of such victims will be increased,” warned AHRC programme officer Ashrafuzzaman Zaman.
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