BADC chairman calls for stronger farm input delivery, transparency
Md Azizul Islam, additional secretary to the Government of Bangladesh, assumed the role of chairman at the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) on 8 February 2026.
Shortly after taking office, he held a views-exchange meeting with officials from various divisions of the organisation. He stated that BADC is directly connected to the livelihoods of marginalised people and noted that the agriculture sector currently contributes approximately 12 percent to the country's GDP. He emphasised that BADC must deliver farm inputs and essential services more efficiently to farmers' doorsteps to support agricultural advancement and sustainability.
He remarked that BADC's core responsibilities—seeds, fertiliser, and irrigation services—are sensitive areas essential to farmers' daily needs. He instructed BADC officials to work with transparency and professionalism to help fulfil the government's election manifesto and commitments.
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As part of follow-up activities, the chairman visited BADC's ongoing operations in Gabtoli, Dhaka, on 21 February 2026, including the Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) project, the under-construction prefabricated fertiliser warehouse, and fertiliser loading and unloading operations at Amin Bazar. During the visit, he stated that the warehouse must be completed within the stipulated timeframe to swiftly expand fertiliser storage capacity, and that fertiliser transport from terminals to designated warehouses nationwide must be completed as scheduled.
Subsequently, the chairman visited Krishnapur in Manikganj Sadar upazila, where he inspected a field-level solar-powered low-lift pump implemented under the Greater Dhaka Irrigation Area Development Project. He also visited the re-excavated Chaprail Canal in Jamitta union and exchanged views with local farmers.
He stated that canal re-excavation initiatives would be undertaken gradually in different regions to expand irrigation services in line with the government's work plan. He added that canals must be properly selected before re-excavation, giving priority to the interests of beneficiary farmers.
Relevant member directors, project directors, and other BADC officials were present during the visits.
