Photo: BSS

BAGERHAT, May 6, 2026 (BSS) - A meeting of the upazila collection committee was held in Mollahat here to oversee the procurement of paddy and rice for the 2025-26 Boro season.

The meeting took place at the office of the Upazila Executive Officer at 12 noon today. Officials discussed procurement targets, pricing and measures to ensure transparency in the collection process.

According to meeting sources, a total of 908 metric tons of paddy and 1,314 metric tons of parboiled rice will be collected in Mollahat Upazila this season. The procurement drive is scheduled to continue until August 31, 2026, with government-fixed prices set at Tk 36 per kg for paddy and Tk 49 per kg for rice.

Speaking as the chief guest, Member of Parliament for Bagerhat-1, Md. Mashiur Rahman Khan, emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring fair prices for farmers. 

He warned that no irregularities would be tolerated in the procurement process and urged officials to remain vigilant so that genuine farmers can directly benefit.

Presiding over the meeting, Upazila Executive Officer Sumona Airin reiterated that procurement would be conducted in a fair and transparent manner in line with government guidelines. 

She stressed that no middlemen would be allowed and that paddy and rice would be purchased directly from verified farmers. She also directed all concerned officials to carry out their responsibilities with diligence.

Among others present at the meeting were Upazila Agriculture Officer Imran Hossain, Women Affairs Officer Runia Akhter, Statistics Officer Haider Ali and other relevant officials. The session was moderated by the committee's member secretary, Shafiqur Rahman.