Dhaka:A heated exchange unfolded in Parliament on Wednesday as accusations of irregularities and nepotism in the appointment of fertiliser dealers sparked uproar among opposition members during the question-answer session.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the controversy arose when National Citizen Party-NCP lawmaker Abul Hasnat brought up the issue while questioning Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid. Hasnat alleged that the newly appointed fertiliser dealers included relatives of lawmakers and ruling party leaders, citing several newspaper headlines. He claimed that in Thakurgaon, 28 of the 31 fertiliser dealers were affiliated with the BNP, with many being relatives of party leaders.
Hasnat further alleged that reserved-seat MPs had issued demi-official (DO) letters in exchange for money, describing it as a nationwide spree in fertiliser dealership appointments. He questioned whether the ministry had framed rules to benefit businesspersons previously associated with the Awami League and demanded a review of the appointments.
In response, Agriculture Minister Rashid stated that the government wished for the dealership appointment process to be conducted in a "festive atmosphere," which led to protests from opposition lawmakers. He clarified that the term "festival" was meant positively and expressed willingness to address further questions.
The minister explained that committees at the district and upazila levels oversaw the appointment process, with applications scrutinised and forwarded through official channels. However, this explanation prompted further protests from opposition members, leading to intervention by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni dismissed allegations of monetary influence in the appointments, challenging anyone with evidence to present it to the minister. Despite continued demands from opposition lawmakers, the Speaker moved on to the next question, effectively ending the debate.