Widespread Irregularities, Bribery and Sale of Government Sacks Against Food Warehouse Officials in Dimla.(Looters).

Mohinul Islam Sujon, Crime Reporter,Nilphamari. Two officials of the food warehouse in Dimla, Nilphamari, have been accused of widespread irregularities and bribery, including allegedly collecting bribes from dealers under the Food-Friendly Programme, supplying less rice than allocated, providing low-quality rice, selling new government sacks, and collecting Boro paddy in old, torn and damaged sacks. Earlier, several reports were published in the media against these two officials over alleged bribery, causing losses of crores of taka to the government, supplying low-quality rice to TCB dealers, collecting money from Food-Friendly Programme dealers during rice distribution, and other irregularities. However, as no effective action was allegedly taken, they have reportedly become increasingly emboldened. This has raised questions among the public as to whether there is a “ghost in the machine.” According to sources, in August this year, a total of 640 metric tonnes of rice was supplied to 41 Food-Friendly Programme dealers in the upazila. Four dealers received rice in 30-kg sacks, while 37 dealers received rice in 50-kg sacks. During the distribution of rice in 50-kg sacks to the 37 dealers, Food Warehouse Officer-in-Charge (OC-LSD) Nawab allegedly collected bribes ranging from Tk 3,000 to Tk 5,000 from each dealer. The dealers also alleged that they were supplied with less rice and low-quality rice. In addition, before the rice was distributed, Food Controller Mamunur Rashid allegedly collected Tk 60,000 from the dealers on the pretext of obtaining permission from the District Government Pleader (GP) or Public Prosecutor (PP) regarding a High Court writ. A Food-Friendly Programme dealer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “I had to pay Tk 3,000 to the OC-LSD to receive rice in large sacks. Besides, Tk 60,000 was given to the Food Controller on behalf of all the dealers for obtaining permission from the PP or GP regarding the High Court documents and for office expenses.” Two other dealers alleged that they had to pay Tk 5,000 each to the OC-LSD for receiving rice in large sacks. “I have never seen an OC-LSD like him in my life. From household expenses, including even the cost of chilies, to all family and personal expenses, everything allegedly comes from money paid by dealers and businessmen,” one dealer said. One of the dealers also alleged that he received less rice than his allocation. Another dealer said, “I also had to pay Tk 4,000 to the OC-LSD for receiving rice in large sacks. The same practice of taking money is continuing as before.” The allegations are not limited to collecting money during rice distribution. According to the allegations, official records showed around 42,000 sacks as old, while more than 9,000 new 50-kg-capacity sacks, locally known as “calendar” sacks, were allegedly secretly sold at higher prices. Later, old, torn and damaged sacks were allegedly purchased at lower prices and used for collecting Boro paddy, through which several lakh taka were allegedly misappropriated. Of these sacks, around 6,500 were allegedly removed secretly in the early hours of July 5 and 6. Later, another 2,500 sacks were allegedly transported on July 13 in a truck bearing registration number Dhaka Metro-T-16-5885. Meanwhile, immediately after the August rice distribution to dealers was completed, and while several days still remained before September began, rice allocated for September was allegedly being supplied to dealers in advance, reportedly after collecting bribes, as had allegedly happened the previous month. There are also allegations that contracted mills for paddy processing were given only a small portion of the paddy from the food warehouse as a formality. Most of the paddy was allegedly supplied directly from outside to the contracted mills for processing without proper quality inspection or being brought into the warehouse, allegedly in exchange for bribes. The allegations further state that the paddy was subsequently shown as having been stocked at the warehouse, and bills were prepared in the names of different farmers. It is also alleged that although several media outlets have previously published reports about various irregularities and bribery involving officials of the Dimla food warehouse, the concerned higher authorities have not taken effective action. Instead, an investigation committee headed by an officer of the same rank was reportedly formed. Local dealers and concerned individuals have questioned why effective action has not been taken despite repeated allegations of irregularities and bribery against the same officials. Local residents have demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations and appropriate action against those found responsible. When contacted, Food Warehouse Officer-in-Charge (OC-LSD) Nawab said, “Bring the person who made the allegation to the office.” Food Controller Mamunur Rashid said, “This time we obtained permission from the GP, not the PP. I did not speak to anyone in this regard this time, nor was I involved in any kind of transaction. There may have been some new smaller sacks among the 42,000 sacks at the warehouse, and the OC-LSD may have sold them.” District Food Controller Syed Atikul Haque did not answer phone calls. However, in response to a text message, he said, “I have appointed an investigation officer after seeing your message. Please wait for two or three days.” Dimla Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imranuzzaman said, “If anyone is found to have financial involvement, we will take a hard line this time. If anyone is found to have committed wrongdoing and financial involvement is established, disciplinary action will be taken against them.” Several attempts were made to contact Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Nairuzzaman, but he did not answer the calls. No response was received despite sending him a text message.