Dhaka, Jan. 12 -- Independent candidate Rumeen Farhana has alleged that members of parliament siphon off half of the government development allocations meant for their constituencies, leaving only a fraction for actual work.

Addressing a views-exchange meeting on Monday afternoon in Ward No. 2 of Panishor Union in Sarail Upazila, the Brahmanbaria-2 candidate criticised what she described as widespread dishonesty among MPs.

"If an MP is honest, no contractor on earth has the power to steal," she said.

Expanding on her claim, Rumeen said corruption in development work follows a fixed pattern.

"The problem is that MPs keep 50 percent, their associates take 25 percent, contractors pocket 20 percent, and only 5 percent of the money is spen...