Rice allocated for the extremely poor in Sarail being sold in the open market

M Badal Khandaker (District Correspondent, Brahmanbaria. In Aruail Union of Sarail Upazila, Brahmanbaria, serious allegations have been raised against a local dealer for selling in the open market and black market the special OMS rice allocated under the government’s Food-Friendly Programme for marginal and low-income people. This incident of smuggling and marketing the government rice—earmarked to provide food for the extremely poor—in violation of rules and regulations has sparked intense anger and dissatisfaction among local citizens and beneficiaries. According to on-the-ground observations, video footage, and statements from local victims, while card-holding poor people are struggling for rice, a large portion of it is being sold in the market through a black market syndicate, deceiving the beneficiaries. Regarding this blatant embezzlement of rice from the government’s Food-Friendly Programme in broad daylight, conscious sections of the local community have expressed outrage and raised various questions about the role of the administration. When asked about this unprecedented allegation of rice sales, the concerned rice dealer, Uzzal Mia, completely denied responsibility. Defending himself, he told the media, “I do not illegally sell any rice in the open market. After distribution to beneficiaries, local wholesalers may buy the rice from them or through other means and sell it in the market. I have been distributing government rice while fully complying with all rules and regulations.” However, the people of Aruail Union do not accept the dealer’s dismissive statement. Citizens claim that such a large consignment of rice could not possibly reach the market without the dealer’s direct and indirect collusion and assistance. Because of this misuse of government rice, the government’s core objective is being undermined and the truly disadvantaged people are being deprived of their rights. Conscious citizens and victims of Aruail Union have strongly demanded a fair and impartial investigation into this rice theft. They are urging the Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Upazila Food Controller to urgently intervene and take the strictest legal action against the dealer and the black market syndicate involved in depriving common people of their rights, within the shortest possible time.