Narsingdi: Irregularities have been reported in the distribution of rice under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme in Narsingdi Municipality, with beneficiaries allegedly receiving less than their entitled 10 kilograms.
According to United News of Bangladesh, each beneficiary is entitled to 10 kilograms of rice, but many have received one to one and a half kilograms less, based on complaints. Observations during a visit to the municipality on Wednesday and Thursday revealed hundreds of men and women lining up before 8 am at distribution points. Large sacks of rice were placed alongside five tin buckets-one blue and four white.
The rice was distributed using the four white buckets, while the blue bucket, although filled with rice, remained unused. A distributor named Md Matiullah explained the shortfall, stating, “We receive less rice per sack, so we provide nine and a half kilograms per beneficiary. There is no way to give more.”
Several recipients reported receiving only 8.5-9 kilograms instead of the full 10 kilograms. Rehena Begum, a resident of Ward 5, shared her experience, “After standing in line for hours and submitting my card, I received the rice. But when I measured it at a local shop, it was only 8.9 kilograms. What else can I do but accept it?”
The municipality received 1,540 sacks of rice, each weighing 30 kilograms, intended to provide 10 kilograms per beneficiary for 4,625 people. Distribution began on March 9 and was scheduled to end on Thursday, March 12. By 10 am on Thursday, more than 3,200 beneficiaries had collected rice, according to municipal secretary Mahfuzur Rahman, who declined to comment on the alleged shortfall.
Local observers have noted potential misappropriation, suggesting that if each beneficiary received one kilogram less, nearly 4,625 kilograms or around 155 sacks could be withheld. Narsingdi District Food Controller Mohammad Saleh Uddin acknowledged minor variations of 100-150 grams per sack may occur but emphasized that full rice sacks are expected to reach beneficiaries. Municipal CEO FM Naeem Hasan Shuvo confirmed that similar shortages occur annually, while District Commissioner Mohammad Anwar Hossain stated explanations from the municipality have been sought and the matter will be investigated.