Protest meeting against widespread irregularities in the recruitment of OMS dealers in Dhaka Metropolis

Allegations of discrimination and staged drama have been raised against Rationing Officer Awami Fascist Jahangir Alam, who organizes meetings every time due to widespread irregularities in the recruitment process of OMS (Open Market Cell) dealers in the north and south regions of Dhaka Metropolis. Several dealers who were deprived of the recent recruitment lottery organized by the Dhaka Rationing Office of the Food Department have organized a protest meeting against the Dhaka Metropolis OMS Dealer Recruitment 2024/25 based on this allegation.

The affected dealers said that in fact it was not a transparent lottery, but rather a farce to show people to recruit specific people according to the wishes of influential circles in a pre-planned manner. They claimed that many dealers were excluded in a discriminatory manner. The statement of the deprived dealers came to light on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 9 am at the Ramna Engineers Institution (IEB) building in the capital. However, as per the rules, only selected dealers are called by sending SMS on their mobile phones without giving any prior written notice. That SMS is considered as the gateway to entry. The question arises – why didn’t all the dealers get that message? Why were they called only through mobile messages without issuing any notice in advance? Why was there no publicity in newspapers, circulars or notice boards?

Many applicants did not receive the SMS, thus losing the opportunity to appear in the lottery. However, only those dealers who have close relations with the concerned officials get the invitation and participate in the lottery and in most cases win.

Victim dealers claim
According to the OMS Policy 2024, previous dealers cannot be excluded unless they are proven guilty. The list of all area-based applicants should be published and their names should be withdrawn transparently.
The lottery held on September 29 was immediately canceled and reconsidered. Fair dealer recruitment should be ensured, free from bribery, trade and political influence. The assets of rationing officers should be taken into account and supervision activities should be strengthened.

The speakers further proposed—
It should be ensured that there are no irregularities in the sale of OMS products allocated in favor of dealers.
The implementation of rosters through birotation should be made mandatory.
The control room should be informed through video call before the start and end of each OMS sale.
Strict measures should be taken to prevent black marketing. If any dealer commits irregularities, punishment should be provided based on proper evidence.

The affected dealers have filed complaints with multiple departments and have called for an investigation into the matter and legal action to be taken. They have also sought the direct intervention of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

According to sources, the deprived dealers in this incident are organizing and preparing for a movement. If their demands are not met, it is known that a massive agitation program will be given in the capital. Speeches were delivered by Md. Kausar Ahmed, Tariqul Islam Sabuj, Shahidul Haque Shahid Amit Hasan, Habibur Rahman, Maruf Hossain Masum, Azharul Islam, Shahidul Islam Babu, Md. Baset, and Alamgir Hossain, along with other dealers.