Serious allegations have been found regarding irregularities in the appointment of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) fertilizer dealers in Kapasia, Gazipur.
It is alleged that during the previous government’s tenure, fertilizer dealership licenses were issued bypassing official rules and procedures, using political influence and favoritism.
A written complaint was recently filed by several farmers of Ghagotia Union including Kamrul Islam to the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner and the chairman of the District Fertilizer and Seed Monitoring Committee. The complaint was lodged against Khorshed Alam Bepari, a fertilizer trader who is alleged to have been appointed as a BCIC dealer through abuse of political connections and power.
Due to various allegations including misuse of authority and deception towards other BCIC dealers, the Bangladesh Fertilizer Association (Gazipur District Unit) has temporarily removed Khorshed Alam from his post as president of the association’s Kapasia unit.
According to the complaint, Khorshed Alam, a resident of Pabur village in Kapasia Sadar Union and a former Chhatra League (student wing of Awami League) activist, was appointed as a BCIC dealer under the name of his business, “Messrs. Khorshed Enterprise.” It is alleged that he used the recommendations of four MPs and ministers to secure the dealership, bypassing the required protocols.
BCIC fertilizer dealership appointments are governed by official gazettes and strict policies, which require a dealer to be a permanent resident of the specific union for which the dealership is granted. In violation of these rules, Khorshed, though a resident of Sadar Union, was appointed as a dealer in Ghagotia Union, nearly 20 kilometers away, where valid and eligible local dealers already existed.
According to the official process, farmers in a union must submit their fertilizer demand to the union chairman, who will then inform the Upazila Agriculture Officer. The matter is then forwarded to the UNO and finally to the Deputy Commissioner for approval before any public advertisement for dealership can be issued. This process was reportedly ignored in Khorshed’s case.
Local farmers have accused Khorshed of not being available at his shop regularly and failing to meet the fertilizer demands of local farmers. Despite this, he allegedly managed to secure another dealership under BADC (Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation) in the name of his wife in Bariya Union of Gazipur Sadar.
Khorshed Alam initially began as a registered retail fertilizer seller and later became a BADC seed and fertilizer dealer. He is also accused of illegally acquiring a BCIC dealership in a different union while retaining his other dealership positions, which is a violation of policy. Furthermore, he has allegedly misused his influence to arrange illegal dealerships for others in exchange for large sums of money.
Despite repeated allegations in the past, concerned authorities have reportedly failed to take any significant action against him.
Locals are demanding the cancellation of Khorshed Alam’s dealership and his prosecution under the law in the interest of protecting farmers’ rights.
When contacted, Upazila Agriculture Officer Auliya Khatun confirmed receiving a written complaint regarding the dealership appointment of Khorshed Alam and assured that appropriate action would be taken in line with policies and directives from the District Monitoring Committee.
UNO and President of the Upazila Fertilizer Monitoring Committee, Dr. Tamanna Tasnim told The Country Today the matter is under review and appropriate actions will follow after proper investigation.
Haji Md. Abdul Kadir Mia, President of the Gazipur District BCIC Fertilizer Dealers Association, stated that Khorshed Alam, owner of “Messrs. Khorshed Enterprise,” has been temporarily relieved of his responsibilities due to multiple complaints and misuse of power. He added that if the allegations are found to be true, further organizational action will be taken.
Khorshed Alam, however, has denied all allegations, claiming that he was never in any formal party position despite supporting the Awami League. He insisted that he obtained his dealership in full compliance with regulations and refused to comment further on the other accusations.
