Chaos Over Fertilizer Shortage: Agitated Farmers Break Agricultural Officer’s Tooth
In Thakurgaon’s Ranisankail, aggrieved farmers have been accused of assaulting agricultural sub-assistant officer Akhtar Hossain during a commotion over fertilizer. It has been reported that one of his teeth was broken in the incident.
The incident occurred on Tuesday (2 December) afternoon at Umardangi Bazar in the upazila.
According to local sources, due to the increase in wheat, maize, and mustard cultivation this season, the demand for fertilizer has risen in the district. However, due to low supply, farmers have long been suffering. Since Tuesday morning, crowds of farmers began to gather at the dealer Mallik Traders’ shop in Umardangi Bazar to collect fertilizer.
Farmers complained that despite being busy with potato, wheat, maize, and mustard cultivation during the Rabi season, they were not getting adequate fertilizer from the dealers. A quarrel between agricultural sub-assistant officer Akhtar Hossain and the farmers during fertilizer distribution triggered the commotion. At that moment, farmers present saw another five farmers leaving with 33 sacks of fertilizer in three vans, which further aggravated the situation.
At one point during the commotion, Akhtar Hossain left the place for lunch, but after returning to the distribution point, enraged farmers assaulted him. He was rescued and first taken to Ranisankail Hospital. Later, as his condition worsened, he was transferred to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital.
Mozammel Hossain, proprietor of Mallik Traders, declined to make any comment on the matter.
Agriculture officer Saidul Islam stated that the injured officer suffered a severe head injury and a broken tooth. Legal action will be taken based on the victim’s statement after his treatment.
The Officer-in-Charge of Ranisankail Police Station said that legal action will be taken if a complaint is filed.
