বাংলাUrea and TSP fertilizer allocated for farmers in Bhola are allegedly being smuggled to Myanmar through river routes. In recent months, Coast Guard and police operations have seized large consignments of fertilizer and detained several people suspected of involvement in the smuggling network.
According to police and Coast Guard sources, nearly 141 metric tons of fertilizer and 12 people were detained in separate operations during the first eight months of this year. The Coast Guard South Zone seized around 55 metric tons and detained seven people, while two police operations resulted in the seizure of about 86 metric tons and the detention of five people.
In the latest operation on Saturday (September 5), the Coast Guard searched a suspicious trawler in the Meghna River near Muktijoddha Bazar in Tazumuddin. Around eight metric tons, or 160 bags, of urea fertilizer were seized along with the trawler allegedly being used for smuggling. The suspected smugglers fled after noticing the Coast Guard presence.
Earlier, on August 12, police seized 293 bags of urea fertilizer from a truck and a fishing trawler in Char Fasson while it was allegedly being prepared for fertilizer smuggling from Bhola to Myanmar. Four people were detained in that operation.
Police said those detained admitted during preliminary questioning that the fertilizer was being loaded onto a trawler for smuggling to Myanmar.
On March 5, police also seized 1,420 bags, equivalent to around 71 metric tons, of urea and TSP fertilizer from four trucks at Ilisha Ferry Ghat in Bhola Sadar. One driver was detained, while the drivers of three other trucks reportedly fled.
Local farmers have alleged that some dishonest fertilizer dealers are selling fertilizer allocated for farmers at higher prices on the black market. The fertilizer is then allegedly diverted to a smuggling network, contributing to concerns about artificial shortages and difficulties for farmers in obtaining supplies.
There are also allegations that some dealers collect fertilizer from the BCIC buffer warehouse through representatives and do not maintain proper sales centers in their designated areas. This can make it difficult for farmers to obtain fertilizer directly.
Local sources say fertilizer smuggling from Bhola has increased over the past year. Smugglers are reportedly shifting from road routes to waterways, using fishing boats, trawlers and bulkheads to transport fertilizer.
Bangladesh Krishak Oikya Foundation central president Md. Shahabuddin Farazi blamed syndicates and smugglers for difficulties faced by farmers in obtaining fertilizer. He called for stronger action against the networks and demanded that fertilizer allocated for farmers reach them directly.
The Coast Guard said it continues to conduct operations to prevent smuggling and trafficking through waterways. The Department of Agricultural Extension in Bhola also said monitoring of fertilizer collection, sales and storage has been strengthened.
Authorities have maintained that there is currently no fertilizer shortage in Bhola. However, allegations of fertilizer smuggling from Bhola have increased calls for stricter monitoring and enforcement to ensure that supplies reach local farmers.
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