Bogra’s District Food Controller, Riazur Rahman Raju, has been withdrawn and attached to the Directorate General of Food following reports that rice was being distributed in government bags bearing a slogan associated with Sheikh Hasina.
The decision was made after a national daily published a report on the matter, prompting the Ministry of Food to take action through an official notification.
The controversy arose after allegations surfaced that rice distribution in Bogra was still being carried out using bags marked with the slogan: "Sheikh Hasina’s Bangladesh, Hunger Will Be Eradicated."
A report titled "Bogra Food Department Has Yet to Break Free from Fascist Influence" was published on Wedesnday, highlighting the issue. However, the report did not specify where or when the bags were used. The bags in question reportedly had "2017-2018" printed on them.
Following the report, the ministry appointed a joint secretary to conduct an investigation. Additionally, instructions were issued nationwide to refrain from using any controversial bags for food distribution.
Sources from the Bogra District Food Controller’s office said that the Directorate General of Food had earlier directed officials to either remove or black out the slogan on such bags. In compliance with this order, the slogans were obscured before distribution.
Meanwhile, Riazur Rahman Raju confirmed on Thursday that he had received an official transfer letter. He claimed that the report in the national daily used old images of rice bags from 2017 and 2018 and insisted that no such bags were currently in use.
"The report against me is unexpected and baseless. A proper investigation will reveal the truth," Raju said.
In light of the incident, the Ministry of Food has reiterated its directive to ensure that no politically marked or controversial bags are used for food distribution across the country. The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine further actions regarding the matter.