Irregularities have been reported in the distribution of rice under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme in Narsingdi Municipality, with beneficiaries allegedly receiving less than their entitled 10 kilograms.
Each beneficiary is entitled to 10 kilograms of rice, but many have received one to one and a half kilograms less, according to complaints.
While visiting the municipality on Wednesday and Thursday, the UNB correspondent observed hundreds of men and women lined up before 8am near distribution points, where large sacks of rice were placed alongside five tin buckets - one blue and four white.
8 held with arms, ammo in Narsingdi
The municipal authorities distributed rice using the four white buckets, while the blue bucket, though filled with rice, was not used for distribution.
When asked about the shortfall, a distributor named Md Matiullah said, “We receive less rice per sack, so we provide nine and a half kilograms per beneficiary. There is no way to give more.”
Several recipients said they received only 8.5–9 kilograms instead of the full 10 kilograms. Rehena Begum, a resident of Ward 5, said, “After standing in line for hours and submitting my card, I received the rice. But when I measured it at a local shop, it was only 8.9 kilograms. What else can I do but accept it?”
Narsingdi Municipality received 1,540 sacks of rice, each weighing 30 kilograms, to provide 10 kilograms per beneficiary for 4,625 people.
Distribution began on March 9 and was scheduled to end on Thursday, March 12. By 10 am, more than 3,200 beneficiaries had collected rice, according to municipal secretary Mahfuzur Rahman, who declined to comment on the alleged shortfall during distribution.
Local observers said if every beneficiary received one kilogram less, nearly 4,625 kilograms or around 155 sacks—could be withheld for misappropriation.
Narsingdi District Food Controller Mohammad Saleh Uddin said minor variations of 100–150 grams per sack may occur, but full rice sacks are expected to reach beneficiaries. Municipal CEO FM Naeem Hasan Shuvo confirmed similar shortages occur annually, while District Commissioner Mohammad Anwar Hossain said explanations from the municipality have been sought and the matter will be investigated.