Allegations of irregularities have surfaced in a goat distribution program for poor ethnic minority families in Kalmakanda upazila of Netrokona. The incident occurred on Monday, May 18, during a distribution event organized by the upazila livestock office. Reports claim that iron rings weighing about 1.7 kilograms were inserted into the weighing meter to artificially increase the goats’ recorded weight, leading to tension between beneficiaries and contractor representatives.

Staff member Rahat stated that the digital weighing machine belonged to the office and was used for the first time that day, suggesting the rings might have been inserted by mistake during fitting. Beneficiaries later found that some goats weighed only 3.5 to 6 kilograms, below the required minimum of 8 kilograms. Several recipients and locals reportedly confined officials in a room demanding accountability.

Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Kanika Sarker said the main contractor did not attend directly and that goats with weight discrepancies would be replaced. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Islam confirmed that the allegations are being investigated and that action will be taken if irregularities are proven.