Minister Warns of Corruption in Card Distribution, Calls for Crackdown on Online Gambling

Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and for Science and Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam has issued a stern warning against irregularities and corruption in the distribution of Family Cards and Farmer Cards, while directing the administration to become more proactive in curbing the spread of online gambling. He said protecting the younger generation from drugs and internet-based crimes—particularly risky trends such as online gambling—has become one of the major challenges of the time.

Speaking at an exchange meeting held on Saturday, 28 February, at the Madhupur Upazila Parishad conference room, the minister said a group is exploiting technology to lure adolescents and young people into online gambling traps. This is leading to family unrest, financial losses, and a rise in criminal tendencies. He called upon the administration, police, and relevant agencies to work in coordination to identify and suppress such platforms.

The minister said the government is committed to ensuring an environment where citizens can live safely. Stating that he does not want to see delinquent youths in Madhupur, he emphasized that young people must be protected from both online gambling and drugs. He instructed authorities to strengthen awareness campaigns, technological surveillance, and law enforcement if necessary.

At the same meeting, the minister referred to the commitment of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure that subsidies, incentives, and essential assistance reach genuine beneficiary families and farmers. In line with that pledge, he stressed the swift distribution of Family Cards and Farmer Cards. He warned that no form of irregularity, corruption, or nepotism would be tolerated in this process.

The meeting was presided over by Madhupur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Zubayer Hossain and was attended by officials from various upazila-level departments. Later, the minister traveled to Dhanbari Upazila, where he held another exchange meeting with officials.

Prior to the exchange meeting, the minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of an RCC road from Sathir Mor on the Tangail–Mymensingh Road to Tutul Traders in Madhupur town.

Subsequently, in Dhanbari Upazila, he participated in another exchange meeting with officials at the Upazila Parishad auditorium. The meeting was chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nurjahan Akter.

DBTech/MZU/MUM/OR