Rajshahi, Jan 22 (V7N) — Allegations have been raised against the Al-Madina Cold Storage Authority in Tanor Upazila of Rajshahi district over negligence in potato preservation and the alleged sale of stored potatoes without the farmer’s consent. In connection with the incident, affected businessman Mamunur Rashid has filed a written complaint with Tanor Police Station.

According to the complaint, Mamunur Rashid stored a total of 4,145 sacks of potatoes at Al-Madina Cold Storage (Booking No. 607) in several phases between July 3 and July 18, 2025. Among them, 1,000 sacks of seed potatoes brought from Dinajpur were stored separately. He alleged that due to negligence and improper storage by the authorities, the entire stock of seed potatoes was completely damaged, causing an estimated loss of Tk 25 lakh.

The complainant further stated that when he reported the matter, the cold storage manager Mahabur Rahman allegedly avoided responsibility by offering various explanations instead of arranging compensation.

Mamunur Rashid also alleged that during an inspection on December 12, he noticed discrepancies in the number of remaining potato sacks. When questioned, the manager reportedly assured him that the potatoes were safe. However, upon revisiting the storage facility on the afternoon of December 25, he discovered that 1,300 sacks of his potatoes had been sold without his permission. The estimated market value of those potatoes was approximately Tk 16.9 lakh.

According to the complaint, the manager informed him that the potatoes had been sold on the instruction of the cold storage owner and that compensation would be provided. Later, however, the payment was allegedly refused.

In total, Mamunur Rashid claims his losses amount to Tk 41.9 lakh, including damages from spoiled seed potatoes and the unauthorized sale. He warned that failure to recover the money would leave him in severe financial distress.

Meanwhile, Al-Madina Cold Storage Manager Mahabur Rahman denied the allegations. He claimed that the potatoes were sold in accordance with established rules after the farmer failed to remove them within the stipulated time, despite repeated requests. He further alleged that the storage authorities are owed money by the farmer and that the complaint is part of an attempt to avoid payment and spread misinformation.

Regarding the matter, Tanor Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahinuzzaman said,

“A written complaint has been received. The issue will be investigated, and necessary legal action will be taken based on the findings.”

END/SMA/AJ