Khetlal (Joypurhat) Correspondent

Some 19 bags of DAP fertilizer were seized while being taken by van from Kalai Upazila of Joypurhat to Jamalganj of Akkelpur. On Monday afternoon, local people stopped two vans in the Manjhar Bazar area of Khetlal Upazila and seized the fertilizers. Later, officials of the Upazila Administration and Agriculture Department went to the spot and took the fertilizers into their custody.

According to local people and van drivers, DAP fertilizer was being taken from the shop of fertilizer dealer Mizanur Rahman in Molamgarihat Bazar of Kalai Upazila in two vans towards Jamalganj. When they reached the Manjhar Bazar area, local people stopped the two vans and searched them. At that time, 19 bags of DAP fertilizer were found.

Upon receiving the news, Khetlal Upazila Agricultural Extension Officer and Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Abdur Rouf went to the spot. The name of a van driver named Nayan has been mentioned in the seizure list. According to the list, the value of the 19 sacks of DAP fertilizer seized is 19 thousand 950 taka.

Some locals claim that several other fertilizer-laden vans were passing through the road at the same time, but they could not be stopped.

The seized fertilizer was later sold to local farmers at the government-set price. The sale proceeds will be deposited in the state treasury, said Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Abdur Rouf.

He said, local people seized the fertilizer in two vans and informed the administration about the matter. Later, the fertilizers were recovered through the Agriculture Department. Such operations will continue to prevent the fertilizer crisis.

Tulshiganga Union Parishad Panel Chairman Abdur Shahid Kalu, along with officials from the Agriculture Department and local people, were present at the time.