A viral audio recording has sparked a political storm in Kaliganj Upazila, Lalmonirhat, allegedly implicating Rokon Uddin Babul, Member of Parliament for Lalmonirhat-2 (Aditmari-Kaliganj), in the appropriation of 30 per cent of VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) rice allocations. The leaked clip has intensified debate over transparency in government relief distribution.
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Audio Leak and Alleged Conversations
The recording reportedly captures Shamsuzzaman Sabuj, joint convenor of Kaliganj Upazila BNP, instructing Md. Jahangir Alam (Biplob), chairman of the Modati Union Parishad, to secure a 30 per cent share of rice allocations in the MP’s name. A second conversation allegedly between Biplob and Bidhan Chandra Roy, senior joint convenor of Kaliganj Upazila BNP, has also surfaced online.
In the audio, Sabuj is heard asking the chairman: “Have you explained the MP’s thirty per cent?” The chairman reportedly responded that a meeting had been held and a representative from the UNO would attend. Sabuj is further heard insisting, “The MP came to office without an election, you explained it to them smoothly. We did not come without an election. We haven’t forgotten the past. How are you conducting a meeting regarding our allocation? You will have to explain 1,003 tokens. Sabuj won’t need to be introduced.”
Arrest and Legal Action
Following the controversy, Union Parishad chairman Biplob was arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Taken from his residence on Wednesday night, he was formally remanded to prison by a court on Thursday. His wife alleged that the arrest stemmed from mobile phone discussions with BNP leaders concerning the “MP’s thirty per cent” VGF allocation.
Responding to the claims, BNP joint convenor Shamsuzzaman Sabuj denied involvement, stating: “The call circulating on Facebook is not mine. I have had no conversation with the chairman. I have fought for people’s rights for 17 years.” Attempts to reach Bidhan Chandra Roy were unsuccessful, as he declined to answer repeated calls.
Official Statements
Kaliganj Upazila BNP chief Jahangir Alam confirmed awareness of the controversy, saying the district BNP leadership had been informed and would take prompt organisational measures. MP Rokon Uddin Babul declined comment, directing journalists to speak with Sabuj.
Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shamima Akter Jahan stated that MPs must be informed of VGF rice distributions per regulations but added: “There is no provision for a 30 per cent quota. The viral audio is embarrassing and unverified.”
VGF Allocation Overview
Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Disaster Management Branch allocated 22,864 VGF cards across eight unions in Kaliganj Upazila, with Modati Union receiving 3,345 cards. Each card entitles the holder to 10 kg of rice.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Upazila | Kaliganj |
| Union | Modati |
| Total VGF Cards in Upazila | 22,864 |
| Cards Allocated to Modati | 3,345 |
| Rice per Card | 10 kg |
| Alleged Quota Claim | 30% for MP in audio leak |
| Arrested | Md. Jahangir Alam (Union Chairman) |
| Alleged Participants | Shamsuzzaman Sabuj, Bidhan Chandra Roy |
The leaked audio has provoked public debate over the fairness and transparency of government relief schemes. Authorities are reportedly investigating the recordings to verify their authenticity and determine whether any irregularities occurred in the allocation process.