Bangladesh farmers protest fertilizer prices, alleged supply withholding

Farmers blocked Lalmonirhat-Burimari highway in Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat district, protesting an alleged fertilizer shortage during peak Aman season and accusing dealers of creating an artificial crisis.

Farmers placed logs outside a Bangladesh Agriculture and Fertiliser Association warehouse in Mahendranagar, blocking traffic for about an hour.

They alleged dealers were withholding supplies and selling fertilizer above government-fixed prices. Agitated farmers also chased several Department of Agricultural Extension officials and a dealer, who took shelter at a petrol pump and were briefly confined there.

Protesters withdrew blockade around 11 a.m. after local administration officials assured them that fertilizer would be distributed properly.

Deputy commissioner Rashedul Haque Pradhan warned that legal action would be taken if authorities found any syndicate involvement or irregularities in fertilizer distribution.