Faisal Haque from Chilmari (Kurigram) 

Allegations of massive irregularities have found  in the distribution of rice under the VGF program allocated for Eid-ul-Fitr in Chilmari, Kurigram. 

The UNO has reportedly kept a reserve list of 3,500 names, cutting allocations from six unions in the upazila, and allocated them to various political parties and influential individuals. This has sparked criticism among conscious citizens.

It has been learnt  that under the VGF program of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief for the fiscal year 2024-2025, a total of 303.100 metric tons of rice was allocated for 30,310 ultra-poor, helpless, and distressed families in the upazila, with each family receiving 10 kg of rice. The VGF committee chairman, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), was responsible for disbursing the rice from the local food warehouse. A letter signed by the UNO on March 13, 2025, reveals that 34.450 metric tons of rice for 3,445 families were kept in reserve, deducted from the allocated amount for the six unions. 

When asked  about keeping VGF rice in reserve for the ultra-poor, the term "reserve" was later removed, and Direct Order (DO) was issued in the names of three union chairmen and three administrative officials from the remaining unions. They were also instructed to keep an equal number of names vacant in the beneficiary lists.

An investigation revealed that the UNO instructed the union councils to leave the designated names on the beneficiary lists blank for the so-called reserve allocation. As the distribution began, the PIO office sent a list of names under the reserve, distributing VGF rice without considering eligibility and instead allocating it to political parties and influential individuals.

Thana Hat Union Parishad administrative officer Gias Uddin stated that while 9,159 families were eligible to receive rice in his union, the upazila administration allocated rice for only 7,814 families. He added that the remaining 1,345 names were assigned for distribution to various political parties and individuals as per instructions from the Project Implementation Officer’s (PIO) office. He also mentioned that six wards had already completed distribution, with the remaining three and the reserve rice scheduled for distribution the next day.

Golam Ashek Aka, chairman of Ramna Model Union Parishad, said that the reserve list of 450 names from his union was sent for distribution among members of the Tank Lorry Workers’ Union, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Islami Shasantantra, Jamaat, Swechchhasebak Dal, and BNP Women’s Wing leader Rozi.

Mehedi Alam, administrative officer of Raniganj Union Parishad, confirmed that he had received a verbal order along with a list of 400 names for distribution to political parties and individuals under the reserve list.

Noyarhat Union Parishad member Sattar Ali said that the UP secretary had received the DO and was aware of everything, but he had heard that rice for five wards and the reserve would be distributed the next day. Similar orders were reportedly issued for other unions.

An on-site visit revealed various irregularities in VGF rice distribution across different union councils. Many recipients' names did not match the official beneficiary list, some individuals were found holding 15-20 slips in hand, and there were complaints of multiple members from the same family appearing on the list. Additionally, there were discrepancies between names and NID numbers.

The Upazila Food Controller stated that he was unaware of the VGF reserve list but confirmed that rice was supplied according to the issued DO.

UNO  Sabuj Kumar Basak said, he had a specific list which was sent to the respective union councils, and the union chairmen would take appropriate measures accordingly.