Staff Reporter:

Allegations of massive corruption in the allocation of government-funded rice to non-existent “ghost mills” using forged documents have triggered severe tension in Sirajganj’s Raiganj upazila, leading to public demonstrations and fears of violent clashes.

The accusations center on District Food Controller (DFC) Harun-or-Rashid and Upazila Food Controller (UFC) Sirajul Islam Sarker. Following recent media reports detailing the alleged scam, a three-member probe committee led by the Raiganj Upazila Agriculture Officer was formed on the instructions of the Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner.

Investigation revealed that the two officials allocated 12,000 tonnes of boiled rice—valued at Tk 588.9 million at the government rate of Tk 49,000 per tonne—to 137 out of the 142 registered mills in the upazila. However, local residents and legitimate mill owners allege that roughly 70 of these facilities exist only on paper and were granted quotas through fraudulent licensing in exchange for bribes.

Several defunct operations allegedly received large allocations:

Lutfa & Omor Semi-Auto Rice Mills: Inoperative for over a decade, allocated 147 tonnes under four licenses issued to a father and son.

Anwara & Sara Mills: Owned by an influential mill owners’ association leader, allocated 164 tonnes despite a prolonged operational shutdown.

Mama-Bhagne, Khwaza and Akanda Rice Mills: Shut down for over 15 years, allocated 209 tonnes, 191 tonnes, and 62 tonnes, respectively.

Tensions crested in Chandaikona after accused mill owners staged a human chain on August 12, alleging that local trader Sohag Sarker fabricated the media reports after failing to extort money from them. Abdul Motaleb Sheikh, President of the Raiganj Upazila Rice Mills Owners’ Association, echoed these claims, accusing Sohag Sarker of spreading misinformation.

In response, Sohag Sarker led a counter-demonstration the following day, demanding an impartial probe, the immediate removal of both food officials, and legal action against those involved. Sarker also expressed concern that officials are attempting to influence the probe, warning of larger protests if the investigation is compromised.

Local observers have raised additional concerns regarding regulatory compliance.

Dipak Kumar Kar, Convener of the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and a veteran journalist, noted that 60 to 70 of the registered mills lack physical existence.

Additionally, Tuhin Alam, Assistant Director of the Sirajganj Environment Department, confirmed that most allocated mills lacked mandatory environmental clearances.

When contacted, DFC Harun-or-Rashid denied all wrongdoing, claiming the allocations strictly followed official guidelines.