Bangladesh has no shortage of fertiliser, and its prices will remain unchanged regardless of global or domestic cost fluctuations, Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Thursday (Sept 25).
Speaking at a press conference following a meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture in Dhaka, the adviser assured farmers and stakeholders that adequate fertiliser supplies are in place for the current and upcoming planting seasons.
“There is no fertiliser crisis in the country,” he said. “We have paid off the arrears left by the previous fascist government and ensured timely imports based on demand. Necessary steps have already been taken to avoid any shortage in the coming season.”
The meeting, held at the conference room of the agriculture ministry, was chaired by Adviser Jahangir Alam.
He also said that no increase in fertiliser prices would be allowed under any circumstances, even if gas prices were to rise.
“Even if Petrobangla raises the price of gas used in fertiliser production, there will be no hike in fertiliser prices — at least not during my tenure,” he told reporters in response to a question.
The adviser added that all existing syndicates in fertiliser imports have been dismantled, and the import process is now aligned with global market rates. Officials at the agriculture ministry have been directed to prevent fertiliser smuggling under any condition.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the country’s agricultural backbone, he said, “Bangladesh is an agriculture-dependent country. Ensuring food security, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and transforming agriculture into a modern and profitable sector remain our top priorities.”
He said that the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented a wide range of initiatives over the past year with this vision in mind.
The adviser also highlighted continued progress in food grain production, with increases recorded in rice, wheat, maize, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruit yields — contributing to overall agricultural growth and food security.
SMS/
