New fertiliser dealer appointment process sparks ‘lobbying allegations’

The agriculture ministry is moving to appoint one new fertiliser dealer in each union and municipality across the country to ensure timely supply of fertiliser to farmers and prevent shortages but allegations of lobbying and illegal financial transactions have emerged surrounding the appointment process.

The agriculture ministry has received 46,095 applications against 4,931 new fertiliser dealerships to be appointed across the country, according to the ministry.

According to several sources, influential individuals, including local political leaders and public representatives are lobbying for dealer appointments in different areas. In some places, allegations have also surfaced that money is being sought illegally in exchange for securing dealership licences. However, the allegations could not be independently verified.

A large number of people were also seen gathered at the Ministry of Agriculture on Sunday and Monday, allegedly lobbying for the dealerships for their desired men. Agriculture Secretary Md Selim Khan told the Daily Sun that a total of 46,095 applications have so far reached the ministry through the district and divisional authorities. “The applications for dealership have come from the districts through the upazilas and districts,” he said. The secretary said that the applications are now being scrutinised against the criteria set out in the official notification.

“Now these will be scrutinised. We have divided the work by divisions and districts and our officers are verifying the applications. It will take a few more days before we can move to the final stage,” he said. Asked about allegations that money was being taken at union and upazila levels in the name of securing dealership licences, Selim Khan said that the ministry had not received any such complaint.

The secretary also said that the appointment process would be based strictly on the prescribed criteria and that the most qualified applicant would be selected. “Those who fulfil the criteria and have everything in order will be eligible. Ultimately, the most qualified person will get the dealership. There is no scope for discrimination here,” he said. “If the applications have been properly scrutinised at the upazila and district levels that is fine. We have specified the criteria in the notification and among the applicants who fulfil those criteria, the most qualified person will get the dealership,” Selim Khan said. “Whatever they have submitted, we are examining and verifying it. Our main objective is to ensure that the most qualified person among the three shortlisted applicants gets the dealership,” he added. Agriculture sector stakeholders, meanwhile, said that transparency in the appointment process would be crucial to ensuring that the new system benefits farmers. 

They warned that if financial transactions or undue influence affect the selection process, genuinely qualified applicants could be excluded and local syndicates in fertiliser trading could become stronger.