3 Arrested, Including Awami League Leader, While Smuggling 250 Bags of Fertilizer at Midnight

Police and local authorities detained two individuals, including local Awami League leader A.K.M. Elias Howlader, while attempting to smuggle 250 bags of government-subsidized DAP fertilizer late Wednesday night in Bhanga Upazila, Faridpur. Elias, the proprietor of ‘M/S Howlader Traders’ and a government-authorized dealer in Chandra Union, was caught loading the cargo onto a truck from a warehouse in Maligram Bazar bound for neighboring Shivchar Upazila in Madaripur district. Residents intercepted the suspicious vehicle near the Maligram flyover and immediately notified the authorities via the national emergency hotline 999.

Following the emergency call, a joint team led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Sharifullah, Upazila Agriculture Officer Molla Al-Mamun, and Sub-Inspector Iqbal promptly arrived at the scene to seize the truck and take the suspects into custody. Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Md. Shahduzzaman confirmed the incident on Thursday night, stating that an initial investigation had verified the smuggling attempt. Upazila Executive Officer Mahmudul Hasan reinforced that administration and police personnel were dispatched as soon as the report was received, adding that strict legal action has been ordered against those involved in the crime.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Molla Al-Mamun confirmed that the fertilizer truck was seized and the suspects were detained immediately after receiving the news, noting that preparations are underway to file a formal case and revoke the dealer’s license. The primary suspect serves as the Vice President of the Chandra Union unit and President of the Ward No. 7 unit of the Awami League, an organization whose political activities are currently banned. Official processes to execute full legal proceedings alongside the permanent cancellation of the dealership are currently underway under the direction of the local administration.