Alleged MP Rice Quota Sparks Controversy

An audio recording allegedly implicating Rokon Uddin Babul, the Member of Parliament for Lalmonirhat-2 (Aditmari-Kaliganj), in the appropriation of 30 per cent of VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) rice allocations has gone viral on social media, igniting political tension in the region.

Audio Leak and Allegations

The leaked audio reportedly captures Shamsuzzaman Sabuj, joint convenor of Kaliganj Upazila BNP, urging Md. Jahangir Alam (Biplob), chairman of the Modati Union Parishad, to claim a 30 per cent share of the rice allocated under the VGF scheme in the MP’s name. Another conversation allegedly involving Biplob and Bidhan Chandra Roy, senior joint convenor of Kaliganj Upazila BNP, has also surfaced online.

In the recording, Sabuj is heard asking the chairman, “Have you explained the MP’s thirty per cent?” To which the chairman allegedly replied that a meeting had been held and a representative from the UNO would be present. In a firm tone, Sabuj is then heard insisting, “The MP came to office without an election, you explained it to them smoothly. We did not come without an election. We haven’t forgotten the past. How are you conducting a meeting regarding our allocation? You will have to explain 1,003 tokens. Sabuj won’t need to be introduced.”

Arrest and Legal Action

Following the controversy, Union Parishad chairman Biplob was arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act. He was taken from his residence on Wednesday night and formally remanded to prison by a court on Thursday. His wife alleged that the arrest was related to mobile phone conversations with BNP leaders concerning the “MP’s thirty per cent” allocation of VGF cards.

Responding to the claims, BNP joint convenor Shamsuzzaman Sabuj denied any involvement, stating, “The call circulating on Facebook is not mine. I have had no conversation with the chairman. I have fought for people’s rights for 17 years.” Meanwhile, attempts to reach Bidhan Chandra Roy for comment were unsuccessful, as he disconnected calls and did not respond to repeated attempts.

Official Statements

Kaliganj Upazila BNP chief Jahangir Alam confirmed awareness of the allegations, saying, “I have heard about the claim regarding 30 per cent of rice under the MP’s name. The district BNP leadership is also informed and will take organisational measures promptly.”

Contacted by phone, MP Rokon Uddin Babul refused comment, telling journalists, “I am out of town; please speak with Sabuj,” before ending the call.

Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shamima Akter Jahan stated that MPs must be informed of VGF rice distributions as per regulations, but “there is no provision for a 30 per cent quota. The viral audio is embarrassing and unverified.”

VGF Allocation Details

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Disaster Management Branch allocated a total of 22,864 VGF cards across eight unions in Kaliganj Upazila. The Modati Union received 3,345 cards, each entitling the holder to 10 kg of rice.

The audio leak has triggered political debate and raised concerns over transparency in the distribution of government relief materials. Authorities are reportedly investigating the incident to ascertain the authenticity of the recordings and whether any irregularities occurred in the allocation process.