Nepotism in OMS rice enlistment process protested in Barishal

Protesting mismanagement and nepotism in the enlistment process of the special open market sale (OMS) list, a citizens' platform handed over a memorandum to the district administration yesterday noon.

The "United Platform of Barishal to Resist Covid-19" alleged that enlistments are being done by considering political identity.

Manisha Chakrabarty, coordinator of the platform, said, "We have received at least 200 complaints from 10 wards across five areas of Barishal City Corporation. We demand proper investigation and fare enlistment of the ultra poor."

"We received these complaints from Chadmari, Rupatali, Bhatikhana, Nazir Mahalla and Palashpur areas, some of the poorest neighbourhoods of the city," added Manisha, also a leader of left-leaning political party Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD).

Faruk Hossain, resident of Chadmari  slum area under ward 10, alleged that his name was not included in the list as he does not have political connections with the ruling party.

Rickshaw-puller Shahid, resident of Palashpur Slum area under ward 5, alleged the same while speaking to this correspondent.

Faruk Hossain Shikder, regional controller of food at Barishal, said there are five committees to scrutinise the lists. "We are yet to receive any such allegation," he told this newspaper.

"It's an ongoing process, If we find any fault in the enlistment, we will cancel the entrant after investigation," he added. However, he did not mention what to do regarding those who have allegedly been left out of the list.

Deputy Commissioner SM Ajiar Rahman said, "We have received the memorandum  and the allegations will be investigated. We will not accept any enlistment based on political identities."

According to the regional controller, the special OMS programme will sell 20kg of rice for Tk 10 per kg to enlisted card-holders.