A local BNP leader in Laksam, Comilla has been sentenced to six months in jail after being caught hoarding government-subsidized rice intended for low-income families.
Rabiul Hossain Robu, 42, a former general secretary of the Gobindapur South Union BNP and a food-friendly program dealer, was arrested on Wednesday night after 350 kilograms of government rice were recovered from his home in Mohammadpur Bazar under Gobindapur Union.
The operation was led by Laksam Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kawsar Hamid. According to officials, Robu had stored the rice at a relative’s home with the intent to misappropriate it instead of distributing it to the intended beneficiaries.
Local residents, including Jubo Dal and BNP members, spotted suspicious activity and alerted authorities by calling the emergency hotline 999. They detained a rickshaw-puller named Safiqul Rahman who was transporting the rice, leading to the discovery of the hoarded stock.
During questioning, Robu admitted to misappropriating the rice. Following his confession, a mobile court sentenced him to six months of imprisonment without labor. Authorities also announced that his dealer license would be revoked.
“We have no place for corrupt individuals in our party,” said Abul Kalam, current general secretary of the union BNP, and Rashedul Islam, joint convener of the Upazila Chhatra Dal. “We’ve informed senior leaders, and further organizational action will be taken against Robu.”
The incident has sparked outrage among locals who demand stricter monitoring of food aid programs to prevent such abuses.
LND/BG
