Rampant Corruption in Food-Friendly Program: 600g Shortage, BDT 200 Extortion, and Journalist Threatened in Badargonj
Rampant irregularities have surfaced in the distribution of food-friendly program rice in Lohanipara union under Badargonj upazila, Rangpur, where cardholders are receiving up to 600 grams less than the designated 30 kg quota alongside illegal cash extortions.
The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon (September 15) at around 3:30 PM at the dealer's distribution point in the Kachabari Hat area. According to local cardholders, instead of the mandated 30 kg, beneficiaries are being short-changed with only 29 kg 400 grams to 29 kg 600 grams of rice. Furthermore, multiple beneficiaries alleged that the syndicate is extorting an additional BDT 200 per card, threatening to cancel their enrollment if they refuse to pay.
When *Amar Desh* Badargonj Correspondent and journalist Salam Biswas went to the spot to investigate the corruption, he faced intense obstruction. According to the journalist, after he questioned the dealer Babu Mia regarding the short-weighing, an individual named Imon—son of local businessman Azizul Haq—snatched his mobile phone, hurled verbal abuses, and threatened to break his hands and physically assault him. The situation grew tense as angry cardholders present at the scene protested the harassment, forcing the perpetrators to back down.
When contacted, Badargonj Upazila Food Controller Biplab Kumar Singha downplayed the gravity of the complaints, stating that action would only be taken if formal written complaints are lodged by cardholders. However, Badargonj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Anjuman Sultana stated that relevant departmental officials and police have been informed to take necessary action. Frustrated locals have strongly demanded regular government monitoring at distribution centers, a thorough investigation into the extortion and food theft, and immediate legal action against those who threatened the journalist.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Badargonj (Rangpur) Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
