Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid Yasin has dismissed allegations of a fertiliser price hike, saying the country currently has a four-to-five-month reserve of fertiliser.
He alleged that a syndicate was attempting to create an artificial fertiliser shortage through market manipulation, adding that police were working to identify those responsible for creating the crisis.
The minister made the remarks on Tuesday while responding to questions from journalists after attending a discussion meeting organised by Cumilla Metropolitan BNP at the Shilpakala Academy in Cumilla city. He had earlier addressed the event as the chief guest, which was organised to mark the BNP’s 48th founding anniversary.
Bangladesh to achieve self-sufficiency in spice production
Speaking about the country’s agricultural prospects, Amin Ur Rashid Yasin said Bangladesh was expected to become self-sufficient in producing import-dependent spices within the next three years.
He said the country currently imports around one lakh tonnes of ginger annually, but the government was working to eliminate dependence on imported agricultural products, including onions, chillies and tomatoes, within the next two years.
The minister said Bangladesh previously imported onions every year, but no onions had been imported so far this year.
Expressing optimism, he said Bangladesh would not need to import onions in the future and could eventually export them, adding that agricultural products could become the country’s leading export sector.
Addressing the increase in vegetable prices during the monsoon season, the minister said production and marketing costs rise during this period, resulting in a slight increase in prices.
He said the government was working to provide incentives to encourage farmers to continue vegetable production during the rainy season.
A call to regain public trust
During the discussion, Amin Ur Rashid Yasin urged party leaders and activists to work towards earning the trust and affection of the people, saying there was no alternative to winning public confidence.
“We have to return to the people,” he said, adding that politicians who claim to work for the people must ensure that their words, beliefs and thoughts remain aligned.
The discussion was chaired by Udbatul Bari Abu, chairman of the Cumilla Development Authority and president of Cumilla Metropolitan BNP.
BNP National Executive Committee Organising Secretary for Chattogram Division Principal Md Selim Bhuiyan MP attended the event as the chief speaker.
The programme was moderated by Cumilla City Corporation Administrator and Cumilla Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Yusuf Molla Tipu.
Cumilla Zila Parishad Administrator Haji Mostak Miah and Cumilla Metropolitan BNP Organising Secretary Md Rajiur Rahman Rajib also addressed the event as special guests.
The discussion meeting was organised by Cumilla Metropolitan BNP to mark the 48th founding anniversary of the party.
