Coronavirus: Ministers warn of stern action over relief theft

Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on Monday said strict action will be taken against those individuals involved in selling Open Market Sale (OMS) rice in the black market.  

Issuing a warning, the minister also asked the officials and employees of the ministry that legal actions will follow suit if they are found involved in irregularities while distributing OMS rice.

"They'll be dismissed outright from jobs, and criminal cases will be filed against the perpetrators, if necessary," he said this while talking to reporters at his residence, reports UNB.   

Sadhan Chandra also said the official licenses of the rice dealers concerned will be revoked and they will be blacklisted, if needed.  

Following a government move, the food ministry has launched food-friendly programs to provide food assistance to the destitute people amid the coronavirus outbreak in the country. 

Until recently, it was noted that some unscrupulous individuals were involved in selling OMS rice in the black market while some people have already been apprehended with OMS rice in different parts of the country. 

Sadhan Chandra asked the deputy commissioners (DC) concerned to report the ministry about any irregularities over OMS rice distribution.

In a similar note of caution on Monday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said looting of relief materials and hoarding of essentials items will not be tolerated during the coronavirus outbreak sweeping across the country. 

"A vested quarter is involved in hoarding essentials and looting relief materials. Looting in the name of food relief distribution won't be tolerated," he said this while briefing reporters at his residence, reports UNB. 

Quader also urged the professionals, politicians, workers representatives and leaders of voluntary and social organizations to join the prime minister's initiative on the eve of Pahela Baishakh. 

"Help Sheikh Hasina to help you. During this crisis, there's no party politics; saving the lives of people is the only politics," he struck a note of warning about risks involved in party politics.    

The minister urged all to fight the invisible enemy, the novel coronavirus, and asked all to stay at home, and avoid public gatherings.