Farmers block road in Lalmonirhat after failing to get fertilizer

Farmers in Lalmonirhat’s Hatibandha protested by blocking the Lalmonirhat–Burimari highway after failing to get fertilizer from a dealer.

Hatibandha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shamim Mia said that around 11 am on Sunday, farmers blocked the road for an hour in front of the upazila auditorium premises.

Due to the blockade, long traffic congestion formed on both sides of the highway.

Farmers complained that at the beginning of the maize season, a shortage of non-urea fertilizer has appeared in the market. For several days they have been unable to get fertilizer and are facing extreme uncertainty regarding maize cultivation.

They said that the fertilizer dealer “Messrs Morshed Sar Ghar” for Singimari Union farmers had announced that fertilizer would be sold on Sunday.

But after giving fertilizer to only a few farmers, the center was suddenly closed. Farmers who did not receive fertilizer then became angry and blocked the road.

Farmer Kosmot Ali, who did not get fertilizer, said, “This is the time to apply fertilizer to the maize fields. If we don’t get fertilizer today or tomorrow, maize cannot be planted.”

Farmers Abdur Rahim and Zahidul Islam said that despite trying for several days, they could not get the required fertilizer for their land.

Accusing the dealer of selling fertilizer on the black market, they said that with the cooperation of the responsible Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Kartik Barman, the dealer sold fertilizer to retail traders at higher prices.

Therefore, the farmers demanded the removal of the fertilizer dealer and the said agricultural officer.

Upon receiving the information, Hatibandha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shamim Mia and members of the law enforcement agencies went to the scene and brought the situation under control.

UNO Shamim Mia said that after receiving complaints from the farmers, the stock and sales records of the sales center were being reviewed; if any irregularities are found, action will be taken.

Attempts were made to contact Manjur Morshed, owner of Messrs Morshed Sar Ghar, to know about the matter, but he could not be reached. And several calls to Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Kartik Barman’s mobile phone went unanswered as the phone was found switched off.