Dhaka:Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has called for an investigation into alleged irregularities and corruption in the distribution of fertiliser dealerships, attributing these issues to the ongoing fertiliser crisis in the country.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Porwar highlighted at a press briefing that mismanagement, nepotism, and corruption in fertiliser dealerships have been compounded by black market sales and smuggling, exacerbating the crisis. He accused the BNP-led government of politicising the appointment process for dealers, claiming that appointments were made in exchange for money and without adherence to existing policies, which has negatively impacted farmers.
Porwar further alleged that dealer lists submitted on party letterheads were used inappropriately, leading to appointments being made for individuals without proper experience, and sometimes multiple members of the same family. He also claimed that fake warehouses and agreements were used to secure some appointments. Specifically, he mentioned that a list submitted in Pirgachha upazila of Rangpur included names from various political parties, including the Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party.
He criticized State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam for alleged interference in agricultural matters, asserting that political interests have compromised eligibility criteria. Porwar outlined six demands, including an investigation into the irregularities, public disclosure of selection criteria, and legal action against those involved in financial misconduct. He urged transparency in explaining discrepancies in official statements about fertiliser shortages and actual conditions across the country.
Porwar expressed concern over widespread politicisation and corruption over recent months, urging the public to voice their concerns against the government's actions. He warned that shortages in fertiliser, oil, gas, and electricity are raising production costs and commodity prices, and called for government measures to alleviate the burdens faced by farmers and urban residents.