Cumilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah has alleged widespread nepotism, political favouritism and irregularities in the recent appointment of fertiliser dealers across the country, questioning whether the government would review the selections.
He raised the issue during a question-and-answer session with Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid in parliament today (11 November).
Hasnat alleged that sons, wives, nephews and other relatives of lawmakers had been appointed as fertiliser dealers. He cited reports from Thakurgaon, claiming that 28 of the 31 newly appointed dealers there were affiliated with the BNP, including 10 who were relatives of party leaders.
He also alleged that some reserved-seat MPs had recommended candidates for dealerships in exchange for money, claiming that recommendations had been made for multiple unions.
Questioning the selection process, Hasnat further alleged that the ministry had framed the rules in a way that allowed businessmen associated with the Awami League to regain opportunities in the sector.
He asked whether the alleged irregularities were part of a planned arrangement and whether the appointments would be reviewed.
“How long will this culture continue in our country where I become an MP, and my son, wife and nephew become businesspeople?” he asked, seeking a specific response from the minister.
In reply, Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said the appointment process involved committees at both upazila and district levels, headed by the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) and deputy commissioner (DC), respectively.
He said applications were invited under specified eligibility criteria and were scrutinised first at the upazila level before being reviewed by a district committee.
According to the minister, the district committee comprised six to seven members who jointly evaluated the proposals and recommended three candidates in order of preference. All members, including the DC, signed the recommendations, he said.
The ministry then approved the candidate ranked first in the district committee’s recommendation, the minister added.
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