Boralekha-Juri Correspondent:
The government allocates 10 kg of rice per person under the VGF program to distribute among the poor during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. However, instead of the stipulated 10 kg, the acting chairman of Saghornal Union Parishad (UP) allegedly handed over entire 30 kg sacks of rice to a few of his loyalists.
The incident occurred in Saghornal Union of Juri Upazila, Moulvibazar. A local resident lodged a written complaint with the Juri Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on Sunday regarding the matter.
In the complaint, Samsuddin stated: “On Saturday, during the distribution of VGF rice at Saghornal Union Parishad for the poor as part of the Ramadan and Eid initiative, the acting chairman, Panel Chairman and Ward 5 Member, Sharf Uddin, handed over full sacks of rice, provided by the government, to a few of his loyalists instead of distributing the allocated 10 kg per person. Upon hearing this, I, as a conscious citizen, immediately went to the Union Parishad and found the allegations to be true. In my presence, Abdul Qayyum and Jafar Ali of Uttar Saghornal village, known as close associates of Sharf Uddin, were seen carrying away full sacks of rice provided by the government. At the same time, two other unknown individuals were also taking full sacks of rice. When locals objected, they were forced to return the sacks.”
Samsuddin attached video evidence of these incidents to the UNO’s WhatsApp and requested an investigation. He also sought necessary legal action against UP Member and Acting Chairman Sharf Uddin. Copies of the complaint were also sent to the Local Government Ministry Adviser and the Moulvibazar District Commissioner for information.
When questioned about the allegations, UP Member and Panel Chairman Sharf Uddin stated, “Some people might have combined their share of rice into separate sacks. A few individuals may have taken rice twice from different UP members, but rice has been distributed to everyone who came to the Union.”
Confirming the authenticity of the written complaint, UNO Bablu Sutradhar stated that a committee has been formed on Monday, headed by an official, to investigate the matter. If the allegations are proven true, necessary legal actions will be taken.
