Relief materials for Rohingyas being sold in Sylhet

Relief materials, distributed among Rohingya refugees at Cox’s Bazar camps, were found being sold in Bandarbazar area of Sylhet city. 

When contacted as a customer, a trader of the relief materials told this correspondent that rice, pulses, oil, sugar, milk, chili pepper, soap, baby food, clothes, blankets and many more relief materials were available for sell at a very low price. 

The products that were being sold at the local market were distributed by international aid agencies including World Food Programme and USAID.

Mizan Mia, 35, one of such relief traders, said they usually sell the products during night time. 

“Rohingyas sell these relief materials at Moricha, Sonar Para, Kotbazar, Ukhiya Sadar, Kutupalong, Balukhali, Thaingkhali and Palongkhali areas,” he added. 

Another such trader, Saju Mia, 45, said he bought USAID Super Cereal Plus Wheat Soya Blend, a special formula for children below six-month of age, at a price of Tk 50 but would sell each pack between Tk 200 and Tk 250.

“Rohingyas sell these products for some extra cash,” he said. 

Saju also offered this correspondent to contact with him if he was interested in doing wholesale business. 

Contacted, M Kazi Emdadul Islam, deputy commissioner of Sylhet district, said this was unacceptable. 

“We will find out who sell these relief materials and take action against them,” he said.