In Patuakhali’s Dumki upazila, a woman named Asiya Begum from Pangasia Union has reportedly been denied a widow allowance card for nearly twenty years since her husband’s death in 2007. Now elderly and caring for a physically disabled son, she survives by begging from door to door. Despite repeated applications and appeals to local representatives, she claims no assistance has been provided.

Residents of South Pangasia expressed anger, questioning why a destitute woman like Asiya remains excluded from government benefits while wealthier or politically connected families receive them. They alleged that her poverty and inability to pay unofficial fees may have kept her name off the beneficiary list.

Pangasia Union Parishad Chairman Nazrul Islam Gazi responded by asking whether she had formally applied, while the local social services officer, Oliul Islam, stated that Asiya’s name was not included in the list sent by the union. He added that if the chairman submits her name, action will be taken.