Govt rice seeds recovered from Jamaat leader's madrasa in Chattogram

The upazila administration has recovered 13 sacks of Aman rice seeds, meant for free distribution among farmers, from a madrasa run by a Jamaat-e-Islami leader in Lohagara, Chattogram.

The seeds were recovered on Thursday afternoon from the Jameul Ulum Madrasa in Charmba Union. The seeds were meant to be distributed among farmers but were not distributed within the stipulated time.

The accused Jamaat leader is Shamsul Islam Helali, who is the ameer of Charmba Union Jamaat and also the acting superintendent (principal) of the madrasa.

According to the upazila administration, Lohagara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Bayezid-bin-Akand found a locked room beside the superintendent's office during an inspection of the madrasa. Upon his instruction, the room was opened and 13 sacks of Aman rice seeds were recovered.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Kazi Shafiul Islam said the seeds were given for free distribution among farmers about 20 days ago. As Charmba Union is a remote area, the seeds were sent through two farmer representatives. The seeds were supposed to be distributed about 15 days ago.

He said an investigation will be conducted to determine why the seeds were not distributed on time and how they ended up with a political leader. Necessary action will be taken after the investigation.

Regarding the allegation, Shamsul Islam Helali claimed they were given 17 sacks of seeds for distribution. He said four sacks had already been distributed, and he kept the remaining seeds at the madrasa because he could not distribute them due to being busy.

Lohagara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Bayezid-bin-Akand said the recovered seeds have been distributed among local farmers. The madrasa superintendent has been served a show-cause notice. Further legal action will be taken after receiving the reply to the notice.