In Lalmonirhat’s Patgram upazila, allegations have surfaced that rice allocated under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program for poor residents of Dahagram Union was diverted to a Jubo Dal playground. On May 24, during official distribution at the union council, locals reported seeing 8 to 10 sacks of rice being taken by van to the field, sparking public outrage. Residents claimed that around 50 sacks were misappropriated through collusion among union officials, depriving genuine beneficiaries.

According to the report, 1,400 people were each supposed to receive 10 kilograms of rice. However, the union secretary and several members allegedly redirected portions to Jubo Dal affiliates. The union’s chairman has been absconding since August 5, and the acting administrator, the Patgram education officer, was absent during the distribution. A ward member admitted that Jubo Dal supporters submitted voter ID cards and were included in beneficiary lists. The union secretary defended the action, saying the recipients were also poor.

Lalmonirhat’s deputy commissioner stated that an investigation has been ordered and that strict legal action will follow if the allegations are confirmed.