Noakhali Correspondent

Serious allegations have been made against Abdul Karim, the officer-in-charge of Chaumuhani Food Warehouse in Begumganj Upazila of Noakhali, of acquiring illegal wealth through bribery, commission trading, and various irregularities. Local dealers and victims have raised such allegations.

Farmer Nazmul Hasan said that Begumganj food warehouse officer Abdul Karim collects bribes or commissions at a fixed rate for purchasing and selling food grains and allocating or billing work to dealers. He has built up personal and huge wealth through various nepotism and corruption in the warehouse activities. This Abdul Karim has been maintaining terror and exclusive control in the warehouse area for a long time by exerting influence from various influential circles.

Various quarters claim that such irregularities are tarnishing the image of the Chaumuhani Food Department. It is necessary to take legal action after a proper investigation. There have been allegations that Chaumuhani is selling fish by occupying the government pond.

Local farmer Rahima Khatun said that since Abdul Karim, the officer-in-charge of the Chaumuhani food warehouse, was posted to Chaumuhani, he has been taking advantage of millions of taka in bribes every month from Chaumuhani.

The victim, Riya Begum, said that she took bribes ranging from 10 paisa to 1 taka per kg for collecting paddy and rice. She raised bills in the name of fake farmers. Recently, information emerged that she had embezzled money from Sonali Bank using her own card under the name of the farmer.

Another farmer Taslima Khatun said that the official Abdul Karim embezzled crores of taka by buying old sacks in the name of buying new sacks for the distribution of rotten and old rice (OMS, VGF). Recently, when the substandard rotten old rice was sent to Hali town in Chittagong, it was returned from the CSD. This damaged the image of the government. Government money was lost.

Victim Riya Begum said that Abdul Karim earns illegal money and lives a luxurious life by buying cars, houses and other things. Previously, various reports of irregularities and corruption were published against him in various media. He is collecting extortion from dealer points by committing widespread irregularities and corruption in the warehouse. There are various allegations of receiving low-quality products during the procurement of paddy and rice during the Aman-Boro season, embezzlement by showing excess collection, and distribution of rotten rice.

Acting Food Controller of Noakhali District Md. Asif Parvez said on the phone that legal action will be taken through a fair investigation.

Regarding the complaint, Begumganj Upazila Food Controller Md. Khabir Uddin said on the phone, "We will look into the complaint."

It was not possible to obtain a statement from Abdul Karim, the officer-in-charge of Chaumuhani Food Warehouse, when he was called several times to inquire about farmer harassment, bribery, commission trading, and various irregularities.