Parliamentary committee recommends halting fertiliser dealership deals amid complaints

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture has recommended suspending the signing of final dealership agreements in areas where allegations of irregularities and inconsistencies have emerged in the appointment of fertiliser dealers, until the complaints are resolved. 

In cases where agreements have already been signed, the committee has called for a thorough investigation into the allegations and appropriate action.

The recommendation were made at the second meeting of the 13th parliament’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture, held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Monday. The meeting was chaired by committee chairman Md Shahadat Hossain.

The committee has specifically urged the authorities to examine complaints regarding dealer appointments in six districts — Lalmonirhat, Barguna, Satkhira, Faridpur, Naogaon and Jashore — and take legal action where necessary.

Speaking at the meeting, the chairman said the artificial crisis surrounding fertiliser distribution had been resolved through swift and effective intervention.

“There is currently no fertiliser shortage in the country. Rather, stocks are sufficient to meet demand,” he said.

He added that if fertiliser factories could continue operating at full capacity, Bangladesh might be able to meet domestic demand and create opportunities to export surplus fertiliser in the future.

Three-member subcommittee formed

The committee also formed a three-member subcommittee to conduct field inspections of fertiliser distribution, stockpiling and management, identify irregularities, including illegal stockpiling and marketing practices, and formulate specific recommendations.

Following a proposal by committee member Md Mostafizur Rahman, he was appointed convener of the subcommittee. Its other members are Md Rokon Uddin Babul, and Mosammat Sabira Sultana.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid attended the meeting, along with committee members Md Shahidul Islam, Md Mostafizur Rahman, Md Rokon Uddin Babul, Md Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, Sabira Sultana and Md Golam Rasul.

The agriculture ministry secretary, director generals of various departments under the ministry, heads of relevant agencies and senior officials of the national parliament secretariat were also present.