Allegations of irregularities against OMS dealer in Tongibari
Md. Masum, Tongibari (Munshiganj)
A major allegation of irregularities has been made against local dealer Khokon Bepari in the distribution of rice under the Food Friendly Scheme (OMS) in Hasail Banari Union of Tongibari Upazila of Munshiganj.
Although according to government rules, a 30 kg sack of rice is supposed to be sold at a rate of 15 taka per kg to card holders for 450 taka, it has been alleged that this rice dealer Khokon Bepari has sold it at almost double the price, and that too to common people without cards!
An old woman who did not want to be named said, "I bought 2 sacks of rice from Khokon Bepari for 2000 taka as I did not have my card." Not only her, several locals have also made the same complaint. According to them, they had to pay 1000 taka for each sack of rice, where the actual price is only 450 taka.
There are also allegations that rice is being distributed in small quantities even to genuine card holders.
When contacted on mobile, accused dealer Khokon Bepari denied the allegations and said, "The allegations made against me are completely false. I have not sold rice to anyone."
Local conscious citizens have demanded that such allegations be investigated and action taken quickly to ensure that the government's fair-priced rice reaches the beneficiaries.
Hasail Banari UP Chairman Nuruzzaman Dewan said, "No one has come to me with any such allegations. If there is any information about the allegations against the dealer, an application will be submitted to the UNO to cancel the dealer."
Tongibari UNO Md. Mostafizur Rahman said, necessary action will be taken if the allegations are proven true.
