Bagerhat Correspondent :
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched an investigation into the disappearance of 11 out of 14 modern combine harvester machines distributed at subsidised rates by the government under the supervision of the Morrelganj Upazila Agriculture Office in Bagerhat district.
On Tuesday afternoon, a team led by Md. Sayeedur Rahman, Assistant Director of Bagerhat ACC, raided the Morrelganj Agriculture Office. During their initial investigation, evidence emerged indicating irregularities, confirming that 11 of the machines were unaccounted for, according to the ACC team.
Each harvester costs approximately Tk. 32 lakh, with a total value of Tk. 3.5 crore. The government subsidized 70% of the cost, amounting to Tk. 2.1 crore, as part of its initiative to support farmers through the Agriculture Office. The most recent distribution of five machines occurred in April 2024, with one allocated to Nurunnabi Parag, the then General Secretary of Chhatra League.
The ACC found only three of the 14 machines distributed in Morrelganj between 2022 and 2024. The Agriculture Officer could not provide specific details about the missing 11 machines.
Preliminary evidence suggests theft, and the ACC has announced that legal action will be taken against those involved after identifying the perpetrators and locating the missing equipment.
Md. Saiful Islam, the current Agriculture Officer, stated that 11 combine harvesters were distributed over the last three years. Of these, six remain in the area, while investigations are ongoing into the whereabouts of the remaining eight machines.
The ACC has emphasized its commitment to uncovering irregularities and ensuring accountability for the loss of public resources.
