Authorities Recover Stolen Government Relief Supplies from Ex-Official’s Home in Feni

Authorities in Feni’s Phulgazi upazila seized a large cache of government relief supplies from the rented residence of a former project implementation officer’s assistant late Tuesday night. The raid took place in the Dakshin Sripur area, uncovering stockpiles of food items intended for disaster relief.

The accused, 45-year-old Abdul Baker, is currently employed in Sandwip upazila of Chattogram district. Baker, a native of Ramkrishnapur village in Noakhali, previously served in Phulgazi from July 2023 until his transfer on July 22 of this year. Despite his transfer, he continued to occupy a rented residence near the local Youth Development Office, citing the educational needs of his children as the reason for his continued stay in Phulgazi.

Acting on a tip-off, Phulgazi Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Mohammad Kawsar Hamid led the operation alongside local police officers. The search uncovered 300 kilograms of rice, 32 liters of soybean oil, 30 kilograms of salt, 30 kilograms of sugar, 33 kilograms of lentils, and dozens of packets of turmeric, chili, and coriander powders. The labels on the supplies indicate they belong to the 2024-25 fiscal year, with officials suspecting the goods were diverted from relief allocations intended for victims of last year’s severe floods.

Rajib Ahmed, the official currently in charge of the Phulgazi Project Implementation Office, confirmed that he is filing a formal complaint with the Phulgazi Police Station. He added that departmental disciplinary proceedings against the employee have been initiated.

Two Elephants Die at Gazipur Safari Park Including Rescued Elephant Raju Bahadur

Read Article

Phulgazi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahin Mia stated that the recovered items are currently in police custody. Authorities confirmed that legal action is underway, which will be formalized following the submission of a written complaint by the upazila administration.

Efforts to reach Abdul Baker for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to multiple phone calls.

UNO Mohammad Kawsar Hamid stated that the administration is treating the incident with high priority. He noted that a thorough investigation will determine how the relief goods were diverted, how long they were stored at the residence, and whether other individuals were involved in the misappropriation.