BADC now keeps fertiliser under open sky in Barisal
A good amount of fertiliser is kept in the open space under tarpaulin cover as Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) has failed to get back a godown from a private firm that rented the warehouse 15 years ago.
BADC has three godowns for keeping its fertiliser on the bank of Kirtankhola River but a godown became almost useless as provision was made for drawing fertiliser from the mill gate several years ago.
The BADC authorities rented the godown to Khan and Sons in 1995 for storing their fertiliser.
As per conditions, the godown was to be rented through fresh tenders every three years but it has not been followed.
BADC officials said Khan and Sons, a big fertiliser dealer in the area, was using the warehouse through time extension on payment of satisfactory rent.
Besides storing fertiliser, the godown is used for keeping rods and cement as well allegedly through to a secret understanding.
As the government last year decided to distribute fertiliser to the dealers from buffer godowns instead of mill gates to ensure its easy and transparent marketing, BADC required the godown and in November last year, BADC issued a notice to vacate the warehouse.
But instead of vacating the godown, Khan and Sons filed a writ petition with the High Court.
Administrative officer of Khan and Sons, Raisul Islam said the High Court has ordered a six-month extension of the agreement with the firm.
BADC Joint director Harun-or-Rashid, on the other hand, said hearing on the writ by Khan and Sons is scheduled for next month.
Following decision of the ministries of agriculture and industries, BCIC stored urea fertiliser in a 3,000 tonne-capacity godown of BADC.
As additional fertiliser is coming to them in this peak season of boro cultivation, a large amount of fertiliser is being kept on the open spaces under tarpaulin cover.
Five to seven fertiliser carrying ships will arrive in Barisal next month.
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