Police have arrested a husband and wife in Narayanganj’s Fatullah for allegedly printing and selling fake “family cards” by misusing references to BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman’s election manifesto.

The arrests were made on Monday night along with a large number of illegally printed cards, said officials.

The arrestees were identified as Russel Jilani and his wife Hasina.

The matter was confirmed by Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Fayez Uddin.

The fraud came to light earlier in the morning when victims staged a protest in the Narsingpur area of Kashipur Union in Fatullah.

According to the victims, a day after the February 12 national election, Russel and his wife started selling fake “family cards” in several areas of Fatullah, posing as BNP activists and using the name “Jisan Traders.”

Ahead of Ramadan, they allegedly sold at least 300 cards at Tk50 each, promising monthly essentials at a subsidised price.

Most buyers were poor, low-educated women. When promised goods were not delivered on Monday morning and phone calls went unanswered, the victims realised they had been cheated and later surrounded Jilani’s house in protest.

A victim, Julekha Begum, said they were told the cards were officially issued.

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Fatullah Thana BNP President Shahidul Islam Titu said the accused were not linked to the party and termed the incident an act of fraud, calling for legal action.

UNO SM Fayez Uddin said he initially warned the accused and instructed them to submit the cards to the police. Later on Monday night, he confirmed that Russel and his wife had been detained by the Fatullah Model Police Station with a large number of fake cards.

Police said legal action was being taken against the accused.