Two individuals fined over illegal storage and sale of fertilizer

A mobile court in Mirpur, Kushtia, has imposed a total fine of Tk. 3.5 lakh on two individuals for the illegal storage and irregular sale of fertilizers. During the operation, 50 sacks of fertilizer, with an estimated market value of Tk. 67,000, were seized.

The operation was conducted on Wednesday afternoon (October 28) in the Bahalbaria Union and Krishnapur village of the upazila, led by Mirpur Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Afroz Shahin Khosru.

During the drive, Abdur Razzak, a pesticide trader from Bahalbaria Union, was fined Tk. 50,000 for the illegal storage of fertilizers. The 50 sacks of fertilizer were seized from his in-laws' house in Krishnapur village.

Separately, Tarikuzzaman, a representative of 'Messrs Chowdhury Brothers,' was fined Tk. 3 lakh for the irregular sale of fertilizers. The combined fine for the two individuals amounts to Tk. 3.5 lakh.

Also present during the operation were Mirpur Upazila Agriculture Officer Matiar Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Mirpur Police Station Shahidul Islam, and a police team.

Following the operation, Upazila Executive Officer Afroz Shahin Khosru stated that the seized fertilizer would be sold to genuine farmers at government-fixed prices through a BCIC (Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation) dealer, in the presence of the local Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer. The proceeds from the sale will be deposited into the government treasury in accordance with established regulations.

She further added that such operations against irregularities will continue to ensure that fertilizers allocated for farmers reach the intended recipients in compliance with the rules.

Adhering to existing regulations regarding the storage and sale of fertilizers is essential to maintaining agricultural production and ensuring that farmers receive fertilizers at government-mandated prices. Such operations are part of an effort to ensure the proper distribution of agricultural inputs.

-    SMJ/NS