Rotten food for helpless poor in Bogura
The management of government food-friendly rice distribution programme in Bogura has long been allegedly engulfed in a dark chapter, with no visible hope of an end. Instead, the scale of irregularities and corruption continues to grow.
It is alleged that black marketeers and corrupt officials are constantly changing their methods to sustain their illicit activities.
Previously, various forms of irregularities and crimes were proven, leading to cases filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), transfers, and attachments of senior officials to the Directorate of Food headquarters.
However, due to a lack of proper oversight, allegations suggest that the path to overcoming this dark chapter is gradually being blocked by the concerned authorities.
Field investigations at distribution centres reveal a grim reality of syndicate influence, evasive behavior by public representatives, and the helpless suffering of poor people in tears.
When questioned, public representatives often shift the blame onto OCLSD officials and higher authorities.
Investigations over the past few months have uncovered shocking information. It has been found that these irregularities are being carried out through collusion between senior officials, black market traders, and mill owners.
The upazilas of Gabtoli, Sariakandi, Dhunat, Shibganj, Adamdighi, and Dupchanchia show higher levels of irregularities, while a powerful syndicate also operates from the district. Other upazilas are not far behind—meaning Bogura has become significantly entrenched in the black marketing of government rice.
During the investigation, Abul Kalam, owner of Bhai Bhai Rice Mill in Sariakandi, said, “We are people from the char areas; all the rotten and spoiled rice from different places is sent here.” He added that last year, 200 tons of rice from Sukhanpukur warehouse was distributed, but people could not consume it and threw it away.
He further alleged that they were forced to accept the rice under pressure from the DC Food office. On that day, around 50 tons of black-marketed rice was found in his mill.
It is also alleged that despite informing the District Food Officer about illegal stockpiles in other mills, no effective action was taken. Instead, there are accusations that such information was leaked to black market operators. Several anonymous syndicate members claimed that they gain the confidence to carry out such due to the support of district officials.
The following day, access to the warehouse was denied without permission from higher authorities. Attempts to contact District Food Officer Saiful Kabir were unsuccessful, as he did not answer despite repeated phone calls.
Later, Deputy Commissioner Toufiqur Rahman was informed, and upon entering the warehouse, it was found that hundreds of sacks of low-quality rice had already been removed. The OCLSD failed to provide a satisfactory explanation and instead requested that the report should not harm him.
Further investigation revealed that most of the rice stored in various warehouses across the district is several years old. In a calculated method, good quality rice is placed around the outer layers, while rotten rice is kept inside.
Although official records show that the rice has been distributed, in reality, it remains stored in warehouses for years. In some cases, even when trucks leave the warehouses, the rice is directly transported to black market mills.
When asked for comments, some individuals involved stated, “This rice is not for well-off people; it is meant for the poor. What better rice do they need than this?”
Despite providing multiple pieces of evidence, including photos and video footage via WhatsApp, to District Food Officer Saiful Kabir, no effective action has been taken. Although he claims that investigation committees are being formed and that strict measures are in place, no visible results have been observed.
Repeated visits to the District Food Officer’s office failed to find him present. Before Eid, the matter was escalated to the Director General of the Directorate of Food, who assured that necessary action would be taken.
On April 1, after failing again to reach the District Food Officer, the matter was reported to the Deputy Commissioner, who stated that action would be taken against those involved in black marketing and other irregularities.
Local people are demanding immediate action against corrupt officials and black marketeers, along with ensuring the distribution of quality food.
