Rajshahi, Nov 04 (V7N) — After a 14-day suspension caused by alleged administrative negligence, the government’s Open Market Sale (OMS) program has finally resumed in Ward No. 7 of Rajshahi City, bringing relief to hundreds of low-income residents who had been struggling to purchase essential commodities such as rice and flour at subsidized prices.
 
Sources said OMS operations were halted for over two weeks due to mismanagement by local authorities, leaving many underprivileged families in distress. The city’s OMS program operates through 30 licensed dealers—one per ward—each selling an average of 1.5 metric tons of rice and 1 metric ton of flour daily to low-income residents, except on holidays.
 
During a field visit, this correspondent found that the prolonged closure had left many residents desperate. Locals expressed frustration, saying, “It has been 14 days since we last received government-supplied rice and flour. Prices in the open market are beyond our reach, and feeding our families has become a daily struggle.”
 
A senior official from the Food Department, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that administrative irregularities may have contributed to the delay. The official alleged that Acting District Food Controller Md. Mohon Ahmed, currently also serving in Chapainawabganj, violated the Food Directorate’s Transfer Policy Clause 2(g), which prohibits district food controllers from serving in their home districts. Mohon Ahmed’s permanent residence is in the Auchpara Union of Bagmara upazila, Rajshahi.
 
According to department sources, key food procurement operations under the Rajshahi District Food Controller’s Office are scheduled to take place over the next four months. It is alleged that Mohon Ahmed has been lobbying senior officials to prevent his transfer and retain his current responsibilities until the completion of this procurement cycle.
 
When contacted, District Food Controller Mohon Ahmed stated, “The OMS program in Ward 7 was temporarily suspended as the assigned dealer had been placed under suspension.” However, this explanation contradicts the 2024 OMS policy, which mandates that if a dealership is temporarily suspended, sales must continue through an adjacent dealer to ensure uninterrupted service for beneficiaries.
 
He further clarified, “I have been serving as Acting District Food Controller since October 13. On October 25, we had recruitment exams to conduct, which temporarily diverted my attention. However, as per regulations, operations in Ward 7 were resumed through a neighboring dealer on October 27.”
 
Regarding his assignment within his home district, Mohon Ahmed said, “I am serving in an additional capacity only. Once a permanent appointment is made, I will step aside.”
 
Meanwhile, many residents and rights advocates have questioned the ethics and efficiency of halting the supply of essential food items to vulnerable citizens. They urged authorities to investigate the alleged administrative irregularities, negligence, and policy violations surrounding the suspension of OMS operations in Rajshahi’s Ward 7.
 
Affected residents called on the administration to ensure accountability and transparency in managing OMS programs, emphasizing that such disruptions directly impact the lives of the city’s poorest communities.
 
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