Allegations of irregularities in distribution of rice to fishermen against Kuakata mayor
Soumitra Suman, Payra Port (Patuakhali)
The Mayor of Kuakata in Patuakhali has been allegedly involved in irregularities in the distribution of packed rice to the fishermen.
Each of the 800 jailers who refrained from catching jatka was supposed to be given 80 kg of rice for two months, but they are being given 50 kg each.
On Monday morning, Mayor Anwar Hawladar personally attended the distribution of rice in Kuakata municipality. Meanwhile, many registered fishermen expressed their anger even though they did not get rice.
It can be seen from the surface, thousands of fishermen gathered in front of Kuakata municipality since morning. Despite the official limit of 80 kg, many fishermen got 40 kg. Many others have gained 50 kg. Despite the names of many being included in the jail list, they returned empty-handed without getting rice. The fishermen complained that their rice was not given to the relatives of the mayor and councilors.
Abdullah and Ibrahim Kha, fishermen of Ward No. 1 of Kuakata municipality, said that we make a living by hunting fish in the sea for 12 months. Both of us are included in jail list. But today we went to the municipality for rice and came back. The councilor did not give us rice. If you look at those who received rice today, many of them are relatives of the councillor, van owners and grocers. We have been wronged.
Abdus Salam of Ward No. 4 said, I was supposed to be given 80 kg of rice today. But given 50 kg. I can't tell what the rest of the rice is doing. I could not talk to the councilor as he was busy.
Tofajzel of Ward No. 3 said, I was given 50 kg of rice instead of 80 kg. The family will survive with only 50 kg of rice in two months.
Kuakata Municipal Mayor Anwar Howladar said, there are 1300 fishermen registered in my area. But rice is coming for 800 people. All the fishermen shared the rice.
Kalapara upazila executive officer Jahangir Hossain said that the matter is being investigated. Irregularities in the distribution of rice to fishermen will be taken legal action against him.
