Discrepancies have emerged in Bangladesh’s official fertilizer stock records, with allegations that ministry and departmental data do not match supplies held at warehouses and in the field. The issue has raised concerns over fertilizer distribution, particularly during periods of higher demand for boro and aman cultivation. Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid told parliament on Sunday that there was no fertilizer shortage and said field-level monitoring was under way to ensure timely supplies at fixed prices.

Agriculture Ministry statistics show urea stocks fell to 1,203,399 tonnes from 1,406,926 tonnes a year earlier, while DAP stocks declined to 36,040 tonnes from 43,343 tonnes. TSP stocks increased to 30,265 tonnes from 26,123 tonnes, and MOP rose to 53,388 tonnes from 51,035 tonnes. Dealers say allocations have not increased despite expanded agricultural activity.

The government removed three officials amid debate over fertilizer distribution. Officials said farmers were buying DAP in advance of the potato season, while urea sales were limited. Nineteen dealers and retailers had been fined by Thursday over alleged irregularities, and four retailers in Kurigram were fined by August 27 for overpricing and illegal stocking. Authorities are also updating the national dealer and retailer database.