Netrakona Correspondent
Rice distribution has been going on in the union parishads of various upazilas of the district for the past few days. In continuation of this, on Sunday (June 1) at around 11 am, an on-site investigation at the Bangla Union Parishad of Sinha in Sadar Upazila showed that some people were receiving rice several times with multiple cards, while others were running after UP members without getting the cards. Those who are being given rice are supposed to be given 10 kg of rice, but some are being given 8 kg and 800 grams, some are being given 9 kg and some are being given 9 kg and 500 grams. When asked about this, the administrator of the council and the social service officer of Sadar Upazila said, “I will give it myself, if it is a little bit different, what can I do?” However, I am trying to distribute it properly. If anyone gets less, bring them and we will give them the same amount. On the other hand, a field investigation at Gohalakanda Union Parishad in Purbadhala Upazila around 2 pm revealed that the VGF rice distribution in the district is in the most miserable condition. Cardholders are being distributed 7.5 kg to 8 kg, with a maximum of 8.5 kg of rice. When asked about this, a person present there, holding a hand microphone, said that there were no irregularities in the distribution of rice. When asked about his identity, he introduced himself as a relative of a senior police officer. He also introduced himself as a candidate for the Purbadhala constituency. However, at that time, the cardholders who had received less rice were shouting at him as a “speculator”. At that time, many of the cardholders were loudly protesting against him, calling him a rice thief and a speculator. Another party started a ruckus, claiming that there were no irregularities in the rice distribution, and even blocked journalists from taking footage. At one point, when asked about the unknown person who wanted to be interviewed on this issue, Anwar Hossain, the chairman of Gohalakanda Union Parishad, said, “Hey, that’s just a rumor. Is it a DP or CP? He once ran as a candidate from which party, that gossip is still alive.” Don’t you see them talking on the microphone all day long about how much rice they have? There is a police officer in the group who has been extorting money for years, even though his name is unknown. I’m guarding with my people, there’s no room for irregularities. I went a little to the side, maybe it got a little bit upside down in the meantime, leave it out. Meanwhile, when asked about irregularities in the distribution of VGF rice to union parishads, Netrokona Deputy Commissioner Banani Biswas said that there is no chance of providing less rice. He also said that he is investigating allegations of irregularities in rice distribution.