Authorities have seized nearly 2,000 kilograms of rice meant for free distribution under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) project in Nandail upazila. The seizure took place on Sunday, 15 March, near Khamargao Bazar, close to the Chandipasha Union Parishad (UP) building, and was conducted by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Salauddin Ahmed. The confiscated rice has been sent to the local police station.
According to local sources and officials, rice distribution under the VGF project for poor and distressed families had been ongoing for the past two days in preparation for Eid celebrations. Acting on a tip-off, AC Salauddin Ahmed recovered about 34 bags of rice from shops owned by Bakul Mia and Mati Mia, which were found packed in ordinary sacks instead of official VGF packaging.
Local residents, who requested anonymity, claimed:
“Some VGF cardholders sold their cards to shop owners at a lower price. The shopkeepers then used the cards to withdraw rice from the UP office and stored it in ordinary sacks.”
Bakul Mia, one of the shopkeepers, defended his family:
“I recently returned from abroad after treatment. My younger son, without knowing, purchased some rice from others. Many cardholders sell their rice immediately after collection. How is that my son’s fault?”
Chandipasha UP Chairman, Md. Shahab Uddin Bhuiya stated:
“I have no way of knowing what beneficiaries do with the rice once they collect it. There has been no irregularity in our distribution process.”
AC Salauddin Ahmed confirmed that the rice has been seized and added that legal action will be taken against those involved.
