United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Thursday demanded an investigation into alleged irregularities, corruption and political favouritism in fertiliser dealerships, blaming these practices for the fertiliser crisis in the country. “Mismanagement, nepotism and corruption in dealerships, along with the sale of fertiliser on the black market and smuggling, are causing the crisis,” he said at a press briefing at the party’s central office in the capital. He alleged that the BNP-led government had politicised the appointment process, bypassed existing policies and appointed dealers in exchange for money, undermining fertiliser distribution and causing suffering to farmers. He claimed that party letterheads had been used to submit dealer lists that were later considered for appointments. He alleged that people from outside the areas concerned, individuals without prior experience in fertiliser trading and multiple members of the same families had received dealerships. Some appointments were allegedly secured using fake warehouses and agreements, he added. The Jamaat leader further claimed a list submitted on BNP letterhead in Pirgachha upazila of Rangpur included the names of leaders from the Awami League, BNP and Jatiya Party. Accusing State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam of interfering in matters related to the Agriculture Ministry, he said political considerations had undermined the prescribed eligibility criteria. The Jamaat leader placed six demands, including an immediate investigation into alleged irregularities, political influence and financial transactions in dealerships; publication of selection criteria and licensing procedures; legal action against those involved in financial misconduct; and disclosure of investigation progress. He also demanded that the authorities explain the discrepancies between official statements on fertiliser shortages and the actual situation in different parts of the country, and regularly disclose the progress of investigations. He said the party was deeply concerned over what he described as widespread politicisation and corruption over the past six to seven months, urging people to speak out against the government. He warned that shortages of fertiliser, oil, gas and electricity were increasing production costs and pushing up commodity prices, and called on the government to take effective measures to ease the hardships of farmers and urban residents.