Angry farmers in Kurigram break into dealer's warehouse, 'loot' urea they had paid for

A number of farmers allegedly broke into a fertiliser dealer's warehouse and took away 197 sacks of urea in Bhurungamari upazila of Kurigram district today (23 August)  amid fears of a shortage.

A group of farmers stormed into the Shah Amanat dealer point in Shilkhuri Union around 11 am and took away around 9,850 kg of urea in 197 sacks, each weighing 50 kg.

On information, police rushed in and asked the farmers to return the fertiliser.

So far, 33 farmers have returned 33 sacks, while efforts are underway to recover the remaining fertiliser.

Sources said dealer Taifur Rahman Mukul of M/s Shah Amanat Traders had stocked 340 sacks out of 1,320 sacks of urea allocated to him.

More than 200 farmers gathered at the dealer point today morning to collect fertiliser.

However, the dealer allegedly kept them waiting for a long time without opening the outlet and failed to supply fertiliser despite farmers having paid for it.

As frustration grew, the farmers feared they would not receive fertiliser and broke open the warehouse door and took away the sacks, sources said.

Azimuddin, Officer-in-Charge of Bhurungamari Police Station, said the demand for urea in the union was around 4,000 sacks, against an allocation of only 1,320 sacks, while the amount actually lifted by the dealer was even lower.

"The dealer's delay in supplying fertiliser according to the farmers' demand led to the unpleasant incident," he said.

Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, he said, adding that efforts were continuing to recover the remaining fertiliser.

However, Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Jabbar denied that there was any shortage of fertiliser in the upazila.

He said the monthly demand for urea in the upazila was 680 tonnes and the entire amount had been allocated, with distribution underway.

"There is no fertiliser shortage in the upazila. The incident occurred due to misunderstanding and panic among the farmers. We are urging everyone to remain patient," he said.

However, dealer Taifur Rahman Mukul could not be reached as his mobile phone was found switched off.

Bhurungamari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Amrit Debnath said some people had spread panic, prompting farmers to break into the warehouse and take away fertiliser.

"Some of the fertiliser has been recovered and efforts are underway to recover the rest. Necessary legal action will be taken following an on-the-spot investigation," he said.