Five MPs demand cancellation of Jessore fertilizer dealer appointment amid allegations of partisanship and corruption

Opposition MPs from five parliamentary constituencies in Jessore have alleged extreme partisanship, irregularities and corruption in the appointment of fertilizer dealers in 93 unions and eight municipalities. They alleged that many people were given fertilizer dealerships through political identities and illegal transactions, depriving genuine businessmen and qualified people related to agriculture. They even claimed that accused in multiple criminal cases, the wife of an accused person arrested in drug dealing and some leaders and activists of the banned Awami League have got dealerships. In this situation, the five MPs have demanded cancellation of the controversial appointment, investigation of allegations of...

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Opposition MPs from five parliamentary constituencies in Jessore have alleged extreme partisanship, irregularities and corruption in the appointment of fertilizer dealers in 93 unions and eight municipalities. They alleged that many people were given fertilizer dealerships through political identities and illegal transactions, depriving genuine businessmen and qualified people related to agriculture. They even claimed that accused in multiple criminal cases, the wife of an accused person arrested in drug dealing and some leaders and activists of the banned Awami League have got dealerships. In this situation, the five MPs have demanded cancellation of the controversial appointment, investigation of allegations of irregularities and appointment of honest and qualified businessmen as dealers following government rules and regulations.

Professor Golam Rasul, Ameer of Jessore District Jamaat-e-Islami and Member of Parliament for Jessore-4 (Bagharpara-Abhaynagar) constituency, raised these allegations in a written statement on behalf of five MPs at a press conference at the Press Club Jessore on Thursday (October 22) at 11:30 am.

In a written statement at the press conference, it was said that despite the fact that five of the six parliamentary constituencies in Jessore have opposition MPs, their suggestions and recommendations were not properly considered in the appointment of fertilizer dealers. According to the complaint, the Deputy Commissioner finalized the list given by the government party members and sent it to the Ministry of Agriculture. In this case, the MPs claimed that political identity was given priority over the candidates’ honesty, skills, professionalism and their actual involvement with agriculture.

They allege that transparency and impartiality were not maintained in an important process like the appointment of fertilizer dealers. As a result, genuine businessmen who have been involved in the agricultural input business for a long time and have the ability to provide services to farmers have been deprived. On the other hand, there have been allegations of giving dealerships to incompetent or controversial people through political influence and irregularities.

Responding to questions from journalists at the end of the press conference, Professor Golam Roshul mentioned the names of a few dealers and raised questions about their appointments.

He alleged that Habibur Rahman, the proprietor of Habibur Traders of Basuari Union in Bagharpara Upazila, has been given a fertilizer dealership. The MP claimed that there are cases against him related to weapons, drugs, bank robbery and fraud. According to him, despite such allegations and cases, it is necessary to look into the matter of appointing a person as a fertilizer dealer.

Apart from this, Professor Golam Rasul also questioned the issue of giving dealership to Masud Parvez Rubel, the owner of Nafiz Enterprise in Monirampur Municipality. He claimed that Masud Parvez Rubel is the son of the acting president of the upazila BNP. At the same time, he also mentioned the issue of getting dealership to Salauddin, an Awami League-affiliated person from Shyamkur Union of Monirampur Upazila.

These statements by the MP have raised questions about whether the political affiliation, family ties, and past activities of the candidates were properly verified in the recruitment of fertilizer dealers. However, no statement was received from the concerned dealer, administration, or the Agriculture Department regarding the allegations raised at the press conference. It is necessary to review the relevant documents and the recruitment process to verify the veracity of the allegations.

At the press conference, members of parliament objected not only to the appointment of dealers, but also to the formation of fertilizer and seed monitoring committees at the district and upazila levels.

In a written statement, it was said that these committees have instructions to include farmers, businessmen and social representatives along with administrative officials. But they alleged that the committees were formed without taking the advice and recommendations of the concerned members of parliament.

The MPs claim that instead of including people and representatives directly involved in the agricultural sector, district and upazila BNP leaders and activists have been included in the committees. According to them, these committees have an important role in the supply and distribution of fertilizers and seeds, market conditions and protecting the interests of farmers. Therefore, the interests, experience and involvement of farmers and businessmen should be given importance instead of party considerations in forming the committees.

They also said that if transparency is not ensured in important activities like the appointment of fertilizer dealers and the formation of monitoring committees, there may be opportunities for irregularities in the agricultural input distribution system. This is likely to harm genuine farmers and ordinary traders.

Speakers at the press conference said that fertilizer is one of the most important inputs in agricultural production. Delivering fertilizer to farmers on time and at a fair price is very important for food production and agricultural management. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure competence, honesty, experience and professionalism in the appointment of fertilizer dealers.

They allege that if political considerations and irregularities prevail in the recruitment process, there may be problems in getting real services to farmers. At the same time, there is a risk of disruption in the smooth distribution system of agricultural inputs. Therefore, they believe that it is important to follow the prescribed policies in the recruitment process, verify the qualifications of the candidates and conduct an impartial investigation of the complaints.

The speakers said that allegations of irregularities and partisanship in the recruitment of fertilizer dealers have raised questions in the public mind. If these allegations are properly investigated and the real facts are revealed and necessary measures are taken, the transparency of the recruitment process and people’s trust in the administration will increase.

At the press conference, Professor Golam Roshul, on behalf of five members of parliament, called for a review of the current fertilizer dealer recruitment process. He said that the appointments against which there have been allegations of irregularities, corruption and partisanship need to be properly verified. If the allegations are proven, the dealership concerned should be cancelled and qualified candidates should be appointed as per government regulations.

They also demanded that priority be given to specified qualifications and experience in the selection of fertilizer dealers instead of political affiliations or recommendations from influential people. At the same time, transparency should be ensured in the formation of fertilizer and seed monitoring committees at the district and upazila levels and farmers, businessmen and social representatives should be given the opportunity to participate appropriately.

The press conference strongly condemned and protested the allegations of alleged partisanship and corruption in the appointment of fertilizer dealers. The speakers said that any kind of irregularities or bias in an important matter like the agricultural sector is unacceptable. Therefore, the allegations must be investigated impartially and necessary measures must be taken and genuine, honest and qualified businessmen must be ensured as dealers.

The press conference was attended by Azizur Rahman, MP from Jessore-1 (Sharsha) constituency, Moslem Uddin Farid, MP from Jessore-2 (Jhikargachha-Chowgachha), Moktar Ali, MP from Jessore-6 (Keshabpur), District Jamaat Secretary Abu Jafar, Joint Secretary Golam Quddus, Jessore District Publicity Secretary Professor Shahabuddin Biswas and other party leaders.