Midday meal biscuits being sold on Facebook
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Fortified biscuits that are supposed to be distributed free of charge to children at government primary schools, learning centers and Rohingyas to help address nutritional deficiencies are instead being sold on Facebook Marketplace. The packaging clearly states, “Property of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, sale and purchase is a punishable offense” and “Not for Sale or Exchange.”
The nutritious food, supplied with funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), has surprised many after appearing on Facebook Marketplace. Rather than individual packets, entire cartons and boxes of the government supplied biscuits are being sold.
A search for ‘fortified biscuits’ on Facebook Marketplace immediately led this reporter to more than 60 listings. The biscuits are also regularly sold in the Facebook group “Recycle Bin Chittagong.” Buyers are offered nationwide delivery through courier services.
The network extends from the capital, Dhaka, to remote parts of the country. The highest number of sales appears to be taking place from Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. Because these biscuits are more nutritious than ordinary commercial biscuits, the group is selling them to the general public at attractive prices.
To uncover how the operation works, this reporter contacted two sellers on Facebook while posing as a buyer. One seller openly admitted that they collect the biscuits from Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar. According to the seller, the Rohingyas receive the biscuits from various NGOs and international organizations before selling them at low prices. The sellers then resell them on Facebook with a small profit.
Another seller said, “I bring them from the Rohingya camp.”
When asked which camp the biscuits came from, the seller did not respond. The seller also declined to answer additional questions later.
Meanwhile, this black market operation is not limited to border areas or the Rohingya camps. A significant portion of the trade is reportedly being controlled from Dhaka.
This reporter also contacted another seller based in Dhaka. The seller said they sell the biscuits wholesale by the box. Buyers are required to purchase at least 19 packets. The seller also assured that once payment is made, the biscuits can be delivered anywhere in Dhaka through home delivery or courier service.
People familiar with the matter allege that a significant portion of the biscuits allocated under the school feeding program at various government primary schools in and around Dhaka is also being stolen and diverted to the black market.
The sale of international aid intended for underprivileged children and Rohingya children suffering from malnutrition on Facebook has drawn strong criticism from social workers. Education and public health experts say weak monitoring at the field level and the involvement of dishonest networks operating from the Rohingya camps as well as parts of Dhaka are undermining the World Food Programme’s humanitarian initiative.
Md. Aftabuzzaman Al Imran, senior assistant secretary at the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, told Agamir Somoy, “Biscuits are provided for the Rohingyas. They are the ones who mainly sell them outside.”
When informed that buyers are purchasing fortified biscuits directly from the camps and reselling them, he said, “If we receive information, we will take action. We will investigate how this food is leaving the Rohingya camps and which dishonest networks inside Dhaka are involved, and strict legal action will be taken.”
