Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told parliament that the government has scrutinised and dropped the names included through irregularities in the list of poor people for receiving cash assistance and only eligible people will receive the support.

"We have developed a system in Bangladesh Bank. After getting the list of beneficiaries, we have called the phone numbers and checked the registration number of the enlisted people so that only those eligible can get the government stimulus assistance either through their mobile phones or through their bank accounts," PM Hasina said.

"After the verification process, we have axed all other names from the list -- that's why it took more time to prepare the list of beneficiaries," the premier said while participating in an unscheduled debate on alleged irregularities and corruption in preparing the list of poor people who have been considered for the government's cash assistance.

Earlier, speaking on a point of order, opposition BNP lawmaker Harunur Rashid alleged that the ruling party-backed public representatives at union and upazila levels were involved in widespread irregularities in preparing the list as fake names were included there.

He demanded that the prime minister takes measures to ensure transparency in preparing the list and take stern actions against those involved in the irregularities, irrespective of their party affiliation.

In reply, PM Hasina said the list of 50 lakh families for distribution of money in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic was prepared by scrutinising it thrice.

"We didn't prepare the list based on only the names provided by the union parishad members or chairmen. We have prepared the list through checking National ID cards, voter list and other related ways at the same time," she said.

The prime minister also stressed that it was her government that has identified the irregularities in the list.

REGENT HOSPITAL SCAM

While talking about the issue of irregularities regarding Covid-19 tests at Regent Hospital in Dhaka, the prime minister said it was her government that has unearthed the irregularities and already arrested the criminals involved in it.

Opposition BNP lawmaker Harunur Rashid raised the issue at parliament today.

"We would have been happy, had the parliament member informed us in advance about the irregularities in this matter," the premier said.

"Nobody informed us…we, the government, found out the irregularities and took appropriate action (against the offenders). Rab went there and took proper measures after identifying the responsible people," she added.