Pabna, Apr 22 (V7N) - A leader of the Nationalist Farmers' Party, Selim Reza, has been expelled from his position after being caught by locals allegedly attempting to sell rice intended for a food-friendly program in Chatmohar, Pabna. Reza, who was the convener of the Ashtamanisha Union Farmers' Party in the neighboring Bhangura Upazila, reportedly escaped before the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) arrived at the scene.

The expulsion was announced in a press release issued on Monday afternoon by Akhiruzzaman Masum, president of the Nationalist Farmers' Party's Bhangura Upazila branch, and Abdul Malek, general secretary.

According to reports, Selim Reza transported 30 sacks of rice, allocated under a government food-friendly program for the extreme poor of Ashtamanisha Union, in a battery-powered autovan with the intention of selling it under the government seal. Locals in the Jardis More area of the municipal town intercepted Reza along with the 30 sacks of government-sealed rice.

When questioned by locals about the origin and destination of the rice, Reza allegedly provided inconsistent answers, raising their suspicions. They then informed Upazila Nirbahi Officer Musa Naser Chowdhury. However, Reza reportedly fled the area before the UNO's arrival. Subsequently, UNO Musa Naser Chowdhury established a mobile court, determined the value of the seized rice, and sold it at auction for Tk 30,000, which was then deposited into the government treasury.

The incident sparked widespread criticism across the upazila and garnered media attention. Following this, the Pabna District Krishak Dal President Abul Hashem and General Secretary Asaduzzaman Afip decided to expel Selim Reza from his position as the convener of the Bhangura Upazila Ashtamanisha Union Krishak Dal, citing his alleged involvement in activities that violated party discipline.

Bhangura Upazila Krishak Dal President Akhiruzzaman Masum stated that a five-member committee has also been formed to investigate if any other party members were involved in the rice-related incident.

Attempts to contact the accused, Salim Reza, for comment were unsuccessful as he was not reachable on his mobile phone.

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