Govt identifies 2,311 fertiliser dealers for ‘irregularities’, minister tells parliament

There are 11,005 active fertiliser dealers across the country, the agriculture minister says

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has told parliament that the government has compiled a list of 2,311 fertiliser dealers accused of irregularities and policy violations.

The minister’s remarks came during a question-and-answer session presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

Responding to a query from SM Zilany, Amin said a verification process is currently underway to assess the allegations against these dealers.

"Punitive measures, including the cancellation of licences, will be taken based on the severity of the irregularities. New dealers will be appointed to fill the vacancies," he said.

The minister, responding to a separate question from Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Rafiqul Islam Khan, outlined the current fertiliser distribution infrastructure.

He said there are a total of 11,005 active fertiliser dealers across the country.

Of these, 5,669 dealers have been appointed by the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), while the remaining 5,336 dealers have been appointed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).

Addressing a query from Jamaat MP Salah Uddin, the agriculture minister revealed the environmental toll of the brick industry.

He noted that 6,252 hectares of land have become uncultivable due to the extraction of topsoil for use in brick kilns.