Non-existent, closed mills on Kushtia's rice procurement list

Serious irregularities have surfaced in Kushtia's official rice procurement campaign, with allocations being made in the names of non-existent and defunct rice mills in Mirpur, Daulatpur, and other upazilas. Shockingly, many mill owners claim they are unaware of the allocations under their names.

These irregularities, allegedly orchestrated by a syndicate of officials from the Food Department, have become an open secret, according to mill owners.

Rules of procurement and violations

According to the District Food Office, rice allocations should only go to licenced and operational mills capable of supplying rice. Each year, a committee prepares a list of eligible mills, and after allocations are confirmed, mill owners sign agreements with the Food Office to supply the required quantity.

However, investigations reveal stark deviations from this procedure. For example: Sheikh Raich Mill in Mirpur’s Nimtala area was shut down five years ago and has since been dismantled. Yet, 12 tonnes of rice were allocated in its name.

Basna Raich Mill, sold four years ago, received an allocation of 12.5 tonnes of rice despite no longer being operational.

BR Rice Mill, whose license was canceled due to non-renewal, was also allocated 12 tonnes of rice. Owner Bazlur Rahman stated he had no knowledge of the allocation.

Voices from the ground

Mominur Rahman, owner of the closed Sheikh Rice Mill, shared his frustration: "Our mill has been shut since 2020. Yet, allocations are made in its name. It’s all run by a syndicate. We don’t even see the license; they handle everything and sign on our behalf."

Rasheduzzaman, the current owner of Basna Rice Mill, expressed similar concerns: “We stopped running the mill due to losses. I don’t know anything about this allocation or even the food license.”

Aminul Islam, the mill’s previous owner, recounted his financial troubles: “I had to sell the mill two years ago after failing to repay a loan taken decades ago. It’s shocking to hear it’s still on the procurement list.”

Several mill owners, speaking anonymously, confirmed that more than half of the allocated mills in Mirpur and Daulatpur are non-existent or closed. They alleged that a syndicate of influential officials manipulates the system with impunity.

Admission and denials

Joynal Abedin, General Secretary of the Kushtia District Rice Mill Owners’ Association, acknowledged the issue: “Most mills in Mirpur and Daulatpur no longer exist. This problem has persisted for years, but political pressures keep us silent.”

However, Mirpur Upazila Food Officer Jinnat Jahan dismissed the allegations, saying: “A committee prepared the list, and millers were asked to report any inaccuracies to the district officer. There is no scope for irregularities.”

Kushtia District Food Controller Al Wajiur Rahman echoed this, claiming: “We survey mills at the beginning of every season, but conditions can change. Complaints will be investigated, and allocations canceled if irregularities are confirmed.”

Current procurement status

The Food Department plans to procure 19,000 tonnes of rice in Kushtia during the Aman season at Tk 47 per kilogram, with the process running until February 28.

This scandal, however, casts a shadow over the campaign, raising questions about oversight and accountability. Without prompt action, these irregularities risk undermining public trust in Kushtia’s rice procurement system.