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February
6, 2001
Jessore, Feb 5 (UNB) – The Anti-smuggling Task Force in a raid seized 14,000 bags of low-quality and adulterated Indian fertilizers from a godown in frontier union Bahadurpur in Benapole on Thursday.
Acting on a tip, the Task Force led by Magistrate Mustafizur Rahman and Deputy Commander of Jessore 32 Rifles Batallion, Major MA Matiur Rahman, launched the operation at the godown of ‘Joint Silver Traders’, 2.5 km from Benapole Bazaar.
Bahadurpur Union Parishad Chairman, local Bazaar Committee secretary and an employee of the ‘Joint Silver Traders’ were present during the seizure.
The Task Force members found employees mixing sub-standard Indian MOP and SSP fertilizers with high quality fertilizer imported from Russia.
When asked godown in-charge failed to produce legal papers against the foreign fertilizer.
Employee of the godown, Mohammad Hafizur Rahman, informed the Task Force members that owner of the godown Mohammad Babul Akhter brought this fertilizer through Sona Masjid Land Port of Chapainawabganj.
He said each 50 kg-bag of this adulterated fertilizer is being sold in local markets between Tk 280 and Tk 300 while each bag of low-quality SSP Indian fertilizer was purchased between Tk 60 and Tk 70.
Generally a 50 kg-bag Indian MOP fertilizer is sold in local markets between Tk 315 and Tk 360 while price of same quantity of Russian CIS fertilizer between Tk 420 and Tk 430, told the Task Force members.
The seized fertilizers were handed over to the local Customs Officials. Babul Akhter went into hiding. A case was filed with the Sharsha police.
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