In Kurigram District’s Rajibpur Upazila, government rice seized from a journalist’s warehouse has been distributed among local orphanages and madrasas by the police. The initiative, taken as part of social responsibility, has been positively received by the community.

According to sources, a recent operation in the Shiberdangi Bazar area led to the recovery of a large quantity of government rice. Acting on a tip-off, local activists of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal conducted an initial search. They claimed that two warehouses owned by Abul Hossain contained illegally stored government rice, and a total of 71 sacks were seized before informing the local administration.

Later, the administration conducted a mobile court under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner (Land) Saikul Hasan Khan. During the operation, Sohail Rana Swapno- owner of Fatema Traders and a multimedia coordinator of a media outlet-was fined 50,000 BDT. The seized rice was subsequently handed over to the police.

During the operation, senior officials including Additional Superintendent of Police Russell Kabir, Upazila Nirbahi Officer A.F.M. Shamim, and Officer-in-Charge Musa Mia of Rajibpur Police Station were present. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that the operation was conducted promptly based on information provided by student activists.

However, the accused Sohail Rana Swapno denied the allegations. He claimed that his mother is an authorized dealer under the government’s food-friendly program, and that some rice remained stored after Eid distribution. He also stated that additional stock accumulated as some beneficiaries sold their allocated rice. According to him, the seized rice was neither VGF nor Union Parishad allocation.

Following the incident, Rajibpur Thana Police distributed the seized rice to nearby orphanages and madrasas. Police sources stated that the decision was made on humanitarian grounds to ensure the food reached those in genuine need.

The incident generated widespread discussion in the locality. Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that necessary legal actions will be taken if required.

While the incident exposed allegations of irregularities, locals believe that distributing the seized food among the underprivileged has also set a positive humanitarian example.