A scandal has erupted in Sarishabari, Jamalpur, as allegations surface that rotten, foul-smelling, and lumpy rice is being distributed to some of the area's most vulnerable citizens under the government's Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) program.
The controversy came to light on Monday afternoon during a distribution drive in Pogoldigha Union. A total of 456 destitute and helpless women, all cardholders under the VGD scheme, were supposed to receive their monthly rice allotment. However, instead of receiving edible food aid, beneficiaries were given rice that was reportedly caked together and emitted a strong, unpleasant odor.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction, several cardholders, who wished to remain anonymous, voiced their anger and concern. "This reddish, foul-smelling, and largely rotten rice is not even fit for animal consumption, let alone for humans," one beneficiary stated. "If people eat this, they will fall sick. But we are forced to take it out of sheer desperation."
Under the VGD program, cardholders in Pogoldigha Union are entitled to 30 kilograms of rice per month. Typically, they collect three months' worth—amounting to 90 kilograms—in one installment from the union parishad godown.
When contacted, Md. Lal Mia, the Panel Chairman of Pogoldigha Union Parishad, acknowledged the issue. He explained that the sacks of rice are supplied from the central food godown and that this month's distribution included a three-month allocation, making it difficult to inspect every single bag. "It wasn't possible to check all the sacks," he said. "However, the matter has been brought to the attention of the higher authorities."
The incident has raised serious questions about the quality control and storage conditions of essential food supplies meant for the poor, leaving locals demanding immediate action and accountability.
