Hakimpur (Dinajpur) Correspondent:
Allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the distribution of the Prime Minister’s Eid gift VGF rice in Hakimpur upazila of Dinajpur. When journalists went to collect information about the alleged irregularities, the assigned tag officer was reportedly seen engaged in casual conversation at the chairman’s office instead of supervising the distribution. Meanwhile, rice was found to be underweight and one individual was reportedly given as much as 29 kilograms of rice. Some of the rice was also seen being sold outside the union council premises. During the attempt to gather information on the spot, three journalists were allegedly harassed.
The distribution of the Prime Minister’s Eid gift VGF rice began on Wednesday at 10:00 AM in one municipality and three unions of Hakimpur upazila. Journalists received information that rice was being distributed in underweight quantities in Alihat Union No. 3. Following the tip, journalists Samiul Islam of 71 Television, Musa Mia of Samakal, and Romen Basak of the Daily Jaijaidin went to the union parishad around 12:00 PM to collect information about the alleged irregularities.
During the on-site visit, it was found that each beneficiary was receiving at least 200 grams less rice than the allocated amount. In addition, at least 500 grams of rice was seen scattered around the digital weighing scale.
When asked about the issue, Ward No. 7 UP Member Dildar Hossain, who was standing beside the weighing scale, reportedly became angry and said journalists had no authority to inspect the matter. He allegedly used abusive language and pushed the journalists out, also threatening them by saying he had “dealt with many journalists before.”
One individual was also seen receiving rice multiple times using several tokens. That rice was later seen being sold at a temporary shop beside the union parishad at a rate of 280 taka per 10 kilograms. Allegations have also emerged that some dishonest UP members sold tokens in exchange for money.
On condition of anonymity, a local person claimed that Ward No. 7 UP Member Dildar Hossain and some other members sold tokens in exchange for large sums of money. According to the source, people collected rice using those tokens and later sold it in the market. He also alleged that the list of actual beneficiaries was not properly prepared. Although many names were included on the list, the individuals were not informed, and those tokens were allegedly sold. He said that a proper investigation would reveal widespread corruption.
A 14-year-old boy named Zahid Hasan was seen selling rice four times at a rate of 280 taka per 10 kilograms. The boy admitted that he had collected and sold rice three times before leaving the scene.
Later, when journalists entered the panel chairman’s office, the tag officer was seen chatting with the chairman. When the matter was immediately brought to his attention, he reportedly called the concerned UP member and suggested resolving the issue through compromise.
When asked about the allegations of underweight rice distribution and providing 29 kilograms of rice in exchange for three tokens, Tag Officer and Upazila Assistant Youth Development Officer Robiul Islam said he had been sitting in the chairman’s office for a short time and was unaware of what had happened during that period. He also stated that no one was supposed to receive more than 10 kilograms or less than the allocated amount.
Regarding the matter, Panel Chairman of Alihat Union Parishad No. 3, Imran Hossain, said the issue occurred due to a mistake and reportedly suggested not publishing the news, hinting at offering a bribe.
Hakimpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ashok Bikram Chakma said that if anyone is found involved in corruption in the VGF rice distribution, an investigation will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken against those responsible.