Chhatra Dal protests alleged fertiliser hoarding in Bhangura, demands probe

Leaders and activists of the upazila and municipal units of Chhatra Dal staged demonstrations and a hunger strike outside several fertiliser warehouses in Bhangura, Pabna, over allegations of illegal hoarding and overpricing of government-subsidised fertiliser. They demanded a fair investigation and action against those responsible.

The activists arrived at several warehouses in the upazila around 11:30pm on Wednesday (21 October) after receiving allegations of illegal fertiliser stockpiling. They demonstrated and chanted slogans calling for the protection of farmers’ interests.

Bhangura upazila Chhatra Dal Convener Humayun Ahmed, Member Secretary Likhon Sarker and municipal Chhatra Dal Convener Russell Rana Pintu led the programme. They called for an investigation into the allegations of hoarding and overpricing and for necessary action.

The protesters alleged that fertiliser was selling for Tk 1,700 a sack instead of the fixed price of Tk 1,050, causing financial losses to farmers. They informed the upazila agriculture officer and the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) by phone and urged them to investigate on site.

Allegations of illegal fertiliser stockpiling surfaced at the warehouse of a local fertiliser dealer, Imrul Traders. The upazila agriculture officer, assistant commissioner (land) and officer-in-charge (OC) of Bhangura Police Station later opened and inspected several warehouses. Local sources said they found large quantities of fertiliser stored there.

The agriculture officer said a dealer named Ripon had about 900 sacks of fertiliser in stock. The fertiliser would be supplied to different areas of Betuan, Khanmarich and Dilpashar unions.

Bhangura upazila Chhatra Dal Member Secretary Likhon Sarker said there was no fertiliser shortage in the upazila and farmers could be assured of supplies. However, those involved in irregularities concerning fertiliser must be identified and necessary action taken, he said.

The protesters demanded a swift investigation to protect farmers’ interests, ensure sales at fixed prices and maintain transparency in fertiliser distribution. They chanted: “If farmers survive, the country will survive—farmers’ rights must be ensured.”

However, the findings of the authorities’ investigation into the allegations of illegal hoarding and overpricing were not known.