Irregularities reported in govt allocated rice distribution in Ruma

Allegations of mismanagement have surfaced in Ruma upazila of Bandarban over the distribution of 100 metric tons of rice allocated under a special government program for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, prompting calls for an independent investigation.

The rice was allocated by the Bandarban Hill District Council to support livelihood development, self-employment, poverty reduction and unemployment alleviation in the remote hill region. 

Of the total allocation, 40 metric tons were assigned in the names of four female union members, each receiving 10 metric tons, while the remaining 60 metric tons were distributed among the chairmen of three unions at 20 metric tons each.

The female members who received allocations include Angmesing Marma, Bhan Nun Ang Bom and Umranu Marma of Paindu Union, and Paingpiy Mro of Galenga Union. However, local residents allege that there is little evidence the rice or its monetary equivalent has reached intended beneficiaries. 

They claim requests for beneficiary lists and photographic proof of distribution have gone unanswered.

Angmesing Marma acknowledged receiving the allocation but said the full quantity had not been handed over at once. 

She said distribution was being carried out in phases and that she had so far received 50,000 taka, with additional funds expected from the chairman.

Bhan Nun Ang Bom alleged that during the first phase the chairman withdrew funds without involving the female members. 

She said the members later withdrew funds directly from the district council without informing the chairman, leading to tensions. 

She added that a written complaint would be submitted to the upazila executive officer regarding the first phase of the allocation.

Attempts to contact Umranu Marma were unsuccessful, while Paingpiy Mro’s son said he was unaware of any such distribution when reached by phone.

Under the same special program, three union chairmen received separate allocations totaling 60 metric tons. Paindu Union Chairman Uhlamong Marma was allocated 20 metric tons for agricultural inputs and dairy farming initiatives. 

Local residents claim they found no visible evidence of project implementation during visits to the area. The chairman said the projects were ongoing and that distribution was being conducted gradually due to financial limitations.

Remakri Prangsa Union Chairman Jira Bom also received 20 metric tons. Residents allege he could not immediately provide beneficiary lists or distribution records when approached. 

Bom said the district council had deducted 25 percent of the funds and that he did not receive the full amount of approximately 800,000 taka expected for the allocation. He attributed implementation challenges to funding shortfalls but denied any irregularities, stating that livestock had been distributed in Thangkhyang Para and Sungsong Para.

Ruma Sadar Union Acting Chairman Angsingnu Marma said preparations were underway to implement projects according to the allocation and that any অভিযোগ could be examined.

Bandarban Hill District Council Chairman Thangjama Lusai declined to comment in detail, saying the food grain project had been handed over to the respective chairmen. He advised contacting the council office for further clarification.

Local civil society representatives have urged authorities to conduct a prompt and impartial inquiry to ensure transparency and accountability, emphasizing that government assistance must reach genuinely poor and vulnerable families in the remote hill communities.