Bangla Press Desk: Allegations of various irregularities and inconsistencies regarding the appointment of fertilizer dealers in different parts of the country were raised during a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture. The committee has strongly recommended that the Ministry conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations and take necessary action.
The second meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture was held on Monday (October 26) at the National Parliament. It was chaired by the committee’s chairperson, Md. Shahadat Hossain. The meeting included a detailed discussion on the country’s fertilizer stocks, distribution, and the appointment of dealers.
According to sources from the meeting, the committee has recommended taking appropriate legal and administrative measures regarding the appointment of fertilizer dealers in areas where irregularities have been reported, pending the completion of investigations.
In cases where dealership agreements have not yet been finalized, the committee has directed that the signing of such agreements be suspended until the allegations are resolved. For cases where agreements have already been signed, it has been instructed that the raised allegations be investigated promptly and necessary action be taken.
Specifically, it was recommended that complaints regarding dealership appointments in the districts of Lalmonirhat, Barguna, Satkhira, Faridpur, Naogaon, and Jashore be prioritized.
The parliamentary committee has also decided to conduct on-site inspections to examine issues related to fertilizer distribution, storage, and management, as well as irregularities involving illegal hoarding and marketing.
To identify these problems and formulate specific recommendations, a three-member sub-committee has been formed, with committee member and BNP Member of Parliament Md. Mostafizur Rahman serving as its convener.
The other two members of this sub-committee are Md. Rokon Uddin Babul (MP) and Mst. Sabira Sultana (MP).
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid, along with committee members Md. Shahidul Islam, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Md. Rokon Uddin Babul, Md. Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, Mst. Sabira Sultana, and Md. Golam Rasul.
Additionally, the meeting was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Directors General of the Ministry’s subordinate departments, heads of relevant agencies, and senior officials from the National Parliament Secretariat.
BP/TD
