Fascist syndicate behind artificial fertilizer crisis
The Bangladesh Fertilizer Association and fertilizer dealers backed by the Awami League and Jatiya Party are allegedly behind an artificial fertilizer crisis in 15 districts of northern Bangladesh, according to information gathered by intelligence agencies and district administrations. The dealers, appointed during the previous government, are allegedly creating shortages by failing to lift fertilizer from warehouses despite receiving allocations. The government believes the move is aimed at putting the elected BNP government under pressure.
According to an investigation, 5,846 BCIC dealers and 5,159 BADC dealers appointed during the previous government remain active. Their licences have not yet been cancelled. Officials say some of these dealers have failed to distribute fertilizer to farmers despite receiving allocations. The issue came to a head in Kurigram’s Bhurungamari upazila on Sunday when more than 200 farmers gathered at a dealer point in Shilkhuri Union. After waiting for a long time, some farmers broke open the godown of Shah Amanat Traders and took away 197 bags, or 9,850kg, of urea fertilizer.
The dealer, Taifur Rahman Mukul, had received an allocation of 1,320 bags, of which 340 bags were stored at the warehouse. Police later brought the situation under control. Thirty-three farmers returned 33 bags, while efforts are continuing to recover the remaining fertilizer. Bhurungamari Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Jabbar said there was no shortage of urea in the upazila. He said the August demand was 680 metric tonnes and the allocated fertilizer had already been received and was being distributed. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Amrit Debnath said some farmers panicked before distribution began and broke into the warehouse. He said authorities were working to recover the remaining fertilizer.
The Agriculture Ministry has taken several measures to prevent further disruption. A four-member high-level monitoring committee has been formed under the leadership of a joint secretary. Deputy directors of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi, Joypurhat and Meherpur have also been made OSD on stand-release over alleged negligence in monitoring fertilizer distribution. Agriculture Secretary Md. Salim Khan said, “there is sufficient fertilizer stock in the country.” He added, “The government is breaking up the syndicate of artificial fertilizer shortage.” He warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to mislead farmers or create an artificial shortage through hoarding or manipulation.
The Bangladesh Fertilizer Association has also issued an urgent warning to dealers following the ministry’s decision to take action against those involved in creating artificial shortages. The ministry said fertilizer supply and storage remain satisfactory nationwide. As of August 19, the country had adequate stocks of urea, TSP, DAP and MOP, along with designated safety stocks to address sudden shortages. The ministry also said fertilizer distribution is continuing at the field level and advance allocations have been made for September. It maintained that there is no basis for creating panic over fertilizer availability.
