800 Bags of Government Rice Seized in Bhurungamari

Authorities in Bhurungamari, Kurigram, have confiscated nearly 800 bags of government-supplied rice from three business warehouses during a midnight raid, highlighting concerns over illegal stockpiling and potential diversion of food aid meant for vulnerable communities.

The operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday, 18 March, near Kashim Bazar in the Baldia Union. The warehouses, belonging to local businessmen Somer Ali, Robiul Islam, and Sonawullah Mia, were found storing government rice alongside other locally packaged rice without proper authorisation.

Police and local volunteers discovered that some bags bore official seals from the Department of Food, while others were in unmarked local sacks. Although an exact count of the seized rice was not immediately possible, authorities estimate that the stock amounts to approximately 20 metric tonnes. The warehouse owners reportedly fled before police arrived.

Locals allege that the rice, allocated under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme, was being sold secretly to middlemen rather than reaching the intended poor beneficiaries. Resident Altaf Hossain commented: “Chairmen and local officials are selling rice to traders. These traders then publicly transport it to their warehouses, yet the real poor do not receive the food aid they are entitled to.”

However, Baldia Union Parishad Chairman Mozammel Haque denied involvement. He stated, “In Baldia Union, all 64.53 tonnes of VGF rice have been fully distributed. I do not know the origin of the seized rice. Distribution under food-friendly programmes is handled through authorised dealers, not via the Union Parishad or the chairman.”

Law enforcement response

Additional Police Superintendent of Bhurungamari Circle, Muntasir Mamun, confirmed that the seized rice belongs to government agencies. “Approximately 800 bags of government and locally packaged rice were illegally stockpiled across several warehouses. The warehouse owners fled before police could arrive. The rice is now under police custody,” he said.

Upazila Executive Officer Shahadat Hossain added that the matter is under careful investigation and assured that “appropriate legal action will be taken following the completion of the inquiry.”

Bhurungamari Rice Seizure: Key Facts

The incident has sparked concern among local residents and officials about the integrity of food distribution channels. Authorities are expected to intensify inspections across other warehouses in Bhurungamari Upazila to ensure that government food aid reaches its rightful recipients.