Uncertainty in food friendly rice distribution program in Kalapara

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Patuakhali: Due to lack of coordination of political parties in Kalapara of Patuakhali, uncertainty has arisen about the distribution of 30 kg of rice at the price of 15 taka per person under the food friendly program in about 10 thousand beneficiary families. The lack of coordination between BNP and Islami Andolan Bangladesh regarding the appointment of dealers for the food friendly program has resulted in the suspension of the dealer appointment process, which has created uncertainty in the distribution of rice among the beneficiaries.

According to sources, after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the BNP demanded the cancellation of the dealerships of the dealers who were appointed on the basis of party considerations. Cases have been filed against some of the dealers. Besides, many of the existing dealers went into hiding due to the fear of lawsuits and attacks. 15 dealers resigned citing personal reasons. This creates a crisis in the distribution of rice among the beneficiaries.

The source further informed that the existing 19 dealers in connection with the BNP leaders and workers have lifted and distributed the rice allotted to 10 thousand 917 beneficiaries from the food warehouse. For the remaining 15 dealerships, several people of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, including leaders and workers of BNP and allied organizations, submitted applications to the Food Directorate. The Upazila Food Friendly Committee proposed to appoint a dealership consisting of the leaders and workers of the two political parties, but BNP did not agree to give a single dealership to the leaders and workers of Islami Andolan Bangladesh. As a result, the recruitment of 15 dealerships for the food friendly program has been suspended. So that 9 thousand 2 hundred and 36 beneficiary families did not get 30 kg of rice, Uncertainty arises over the lifting and distribution of 277.080 metric tons of rice.

Upazila Food Controller Nurullah said, "Out of the existing 34 dealers, 19 dealers have withdrawn their allotted rice. As 15 dealers resigned we published a dealer recruitment circular. 27 applications have been submitted within the stipulated time. Dealers will be appointed as per the decision of the food friendly committee. The recruitment process is suspended for the time being."

President of Upazila Food Friendly Committee, Kalapara UNO Md. Rabiul Islam said, "The issue of appointment of 15 dealers is under process. After the recruitment is completed, the rice of the food friendly program will be distributed among the beneficiaries." - Gofran Biswas Palash