Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today assured that Bangladesh has no shortage of fertilizer. He accused an organized 'vicious circle' of trying to create an artificial fertilizer crisis. The minister made these remarks while responding to an emergency notice raised by opposition lawmaker Akhter Hossen at the Jatiya Sangsad.
Aminur Rashid stated that the government has 1.3 million tonnes of fertilizer in stock, up from 1.2 million tonnes during the same period last year. This, he said, proves there is no shortage. He highlighted that the government has intensified surveillance over the supply and distribution system to prevent any attempts to create a crisis.
Regarding fertilizer allocation in Rangpur district, the minister noted that the allocation was 10,590 tonnes last year, compared to only 1,847 tonnes this year. He emphasized the need to investigate why the crisis is being created. The minister also mentioned that the government has formulated the 'Comprehensive Policy on Fertilizer Dealer Appointment and Distribution 2026' to improve distribution.
Under the new policy, one additional fertilizer dealer will be appointed in every union, while the existing two dealers will remain in place. The minister said the government is preparing a list of dealers involved in irregularities and will take punitive action against those found guilty of malpractice.
Aminur Rashid referred to incidents where fertilizer was found stored at rice godowns and mills across the country. He said punitive action is being taken against those involved in such irregular activities. Bangladesh's annual fertilizer demand is around 4.039 million tonnes, with around 1.1 to 1.25 million tonnes produced locally and the rest imported.
Regarding urea imports, the minister said Bangladesh usually imports urea from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. However, imports from Qatar have been hampered due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. To make up for the shortfall, the government is importing urea from Canada and Morocco to meet the country's fertilizer demand.
