State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad has announced that the government will not tolerate any “syndicate-mongering” regarding fertilizer distribution, confirming that there is currently a sufficient stock of fertilizer in the country.
Speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony held at Boda Government Pilot Model School and College field on Sunday, the state minister warned that legal action would be taken against anyone involved in fertilizer syndicates, regardless of their political affiliation.
He specifically directed local administrations to remain vigilant and ensure those who manipulate fertilizer supplies are brought under the purview of the law.
The event was organised to distribute agricultural loan waiver certificates and saplings among local farmers. During the proceedings, certificates were handed over to 5,890 farmers in Boda upazila, waiving a total of Tk 8.73 crore in loans.
Azad highlighted that the current administration is “farmer-friendly” and has initiated various measures to develop the agricultural sector.
He noted that, following a promise by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is implementing a phased distribution of “Family Cards” to 40 million families, while “Farmer Cards” are being distributed with a target of 10,000 farmers per upazila.
Azad recalled that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, following his inauguration on 17 February, chaired his first cabinet meeting on 18 February where he immediately fulfilled his pledge to farmers by waiving Tk10,000 of the principal loan amount along with all accrued interest.
This was contrasted with the tenure of Ziaur Rahman, who had previously waived Tk5,000 in agricultural loans.
In terms of environmental and health initiatives, the state minister announced that the government plans to plant 250 million (25 crore) trees to combat climate change and restore environmental balance.
He further stated that as part of the Prime Minister’s commitment to bringing healthcare to every doorstep, upazila hospitals will be upgraded to 101-bed facilities.
The discussion, presided over by Deputy Commissioner Shukria Parvin, also featured speeches from Police Superintendent Abu Sayem, Boda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rabiul Islam, Upazila Agriculture Officer Ahmed Rashed Un Nabi, and Municipal BNP General Secretary Dil Reza Ferdous Chinmoy.
Following the discussion, each farmer received five fruit-bearing and forest saplings, totalling 29,450 trees distributed during the event. The day’s proceedings concluded with traditional rural sports, such as “Duck Games” and “Banana Tree Climbing,” accompanied by music and Gambhira performances.
