Md. Nazmul, Morelganj (Bagerhat)

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started an investigation into the missing of 11 of the 14 modern combine harvester machines distributed at a subsidized price in Bagerhat's Morelganj.

Assistant Director of Bagerhat district office of ACC today Tuesday (January 7). A team led by Saidur Rahman went to the Morelganj Upazila Agriculture Office and started a preliminary investigation into the machines.

According to ACC sources, each machine is distributed to the farmers at a cost of Tk 32 lakh with 70% subsidy from the government. Out of total 14 machines, 11 machines have no trace. The estimated value of the missing machines is around Tk 3.5 crore, of which the subsidy amount was Tk 2.10 lakh.

According to records of Morelganj Upazila Agriculture Office, five machines were distributed last in April 2024. Upazila Chhatra League general secretary Nurunnabi Parag got one of them. But currently only three of the 14 machines have been confirmed.

ACC officer Md. Saidur Rahman said, "The fact that the machines are not working has come up in our investigationWe are working to hold those responsible accountable and locate the missing machines. Legal action will be taken against those involved in irregularities."

The then Upazila Agriculture Officer Akash Bairagi claimed that the machines were distributed after verification and there were no irregularities. However, the current agricultural officer. Saiful Islam said six of the 14 machines have been found in the area, while investigation is on for the remaining eight.

This incident has created a lot of excitement among all concerned.