More 15 hard days to go

People in remote villages in Gaibandha are still in grip of acute hardship for want of food and work.

This situation will continue till harvest of Aman crop begins in about 10 to 15 days.

The government allocated 1648 matric tons of rice in October and November to face the monga situation in the district. The rice is being distributed through 1200 VGF cards in each of 54 unions and 700 in each of 28 unions.

But local Union Parishad chairmen and members say at least 2000 VGF cards are needed in each union.

Meanwhile, irregularities have been reported in distribution of the VGF rice in different areas. Protests took place at certain unions for alleged misappropriation of relief goods, sources said.

A case has been filed against Akbar Hossain Sarker, Fulchari thana Awami League secretary and chairman of Kanchipara Union Parishad, on charge for irregularity in relief.

Gaibandha district Awami League at a recent meeting demanded withdrawal of the case, terming it false and conspiratorial.

The Gaibandga Workers Party at a meeting at local Shaheed Miner criticised the government for its failure to face the monga situation.

The Gaibandha district unit of Communist Party of Bangladesh brought out a procession and held a protest meeting demanding adequate government steps to meet the monga situation. It also demanded an end to "looting VGF rice" by ruling party men.