Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid. File Photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, Sept 2, 2026 (BSS) - Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today said the country has no shortage of fertilizer, alleging that an organised "vicious circle" is attempting to create an artificial fertilizer crisis.

He said the government has intensified surveillance over the supply and distribution system to prevent such attempts.

The minister made the remarks while responding to an emergency notice raised by opposition lawmaker Akhter Hossen of Rangpur-4 under the Rules of Procedure at the Jatiya Sangsad, with Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal in the chair.

Aminur Rashid said the government currently has 1.3 million tonnes of fertilizer in stock, compared with 1.2 million tonnes during the same period last year, proving that there is no shortage of fertilizer in the country.

Highlighting the overall fertilizer situation, he said an organised "vicious circle" is trying to create an artificial crisis.

"The government has intensified surveillance over the supply and distribution system, and the situation has remained under control for the last few days," he said, expressing hope that the situation would come under full control in the coming days.

Regarding fertilizer allocation in Rangpur district, the minister said the allocation was 10,590 tonnes during the corresponding period last year, while it stood at only 1,847 tonnes during the same period this year.

"So, it is necessary to investigate why the crisis is being created in the country," he told.

Regarding fertilizer distribution and the appointment of dealers, the minister said the government has already formulated the "Comprehensive Policy on Fertilizer Dealer Appointment and Distribution 2026".

Under the new policy, one additional fertilizer dealer will be appointed in every union, while the existing two dealers will remain in place, he said.

Talking about punitive measures against dealers allegedly involved in irregularities, the minister said the government is preparing a list of dealers involved in various illegal activities and punitive action will be taken against those found guilty of malpractice.

Referring to incidents involving the recovery of fertilizer stocks from different rice godowns and mills, Aminur Rashid said fertilizer is being unusually found stored at such facilities across the country.

"Punitive action is being taken against those involved in such irregular activities," he said.

The country's annual fertilizer demand is around 4.039 million tonnes. Bangladesh produces around 1.1 million to 1.25 million tonnes of chemical fertilizers locally each year, while the rest is imported.

Regarding urea imports, the minister said Bangladesh usually imports urea from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. However, imports from Qatar have been hampered due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

To make up for the shortfall, the government is importing urea from Canada and Morocco to meet the country's fertilizer demand, he added.