NCP Leaders Summoned Over Alleged Rice Fund Misappropriation

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has issued showcause notices to two of its leaders in Kushtia district and Kumar Khali upazila following allegations of embezzlement and irregularities involving government-allocated rice funds. The notices, signed on Friday night by the district chief coordinator, Jannatul Ferdous Tony, were formally delivered on the party’s official letterhead.

On Saturday afternoon, Tony confirmed that the notices had been sent to Ibadat Ali, senior joint coordinator of the Kushtia district branch, and Helal Uddin, chief coordinator of the Kumar Khali upazila branch. Both leaders have been instructed to submit written explanations within seven working days.

According to the showcause notice, the allegations against the two leaders include:

• Selling government-allocated rice for personal gain
• Violating party guidelines during the election period by accepting financial benefits from other political parties
• Irregularities in financial record-keeping and accounting

Helal Uddin has denied any wrongdoing. He stated, “I received a two-ton rice allocation, which I sold for 71,000 taka. Of this amount, 29,000 taka was spent on purchasing saris and lungis, and 5,000 taka was used for an Iftar party in Daulatpur. The remaining 37,000 taka was collected by district-level party members from me. I have not committed any irregularities.” He further alleged that certain dishonest party members, frustrated by their failure to secure personal benefits, are attempting to remove him from his position. Uddin added that he would provide a full and proper response to the showcause notice.

District chief coordinator Jannatul Ferdous Tony emphasised that the action represents a responsible internal measure. “Complaints have been received from multiple sources. The showcause notice is aimed at ensuring accurate accounting and uncovering the truth. Mr. Helal is the official project PIC, and the sari-lungi purchases were made on his own initiative. The 37,000 taka was received by party members present, not by me. We will investigate whether there are any additional irregularities,” he said.

The following table summarises the financial transactions of the two leaders as reported:

The NCP district branch has framed the issuance of these notices as a transparent and responsible step. The party has pledged to take necessary action based on the written responses and continues to monitor the situation closely. Local residents and party members are reportedly observing the process, ensuring that all evidence is thoroughly verified.