RAJSHAHI, Mar 2, 2026 (BSS) - A mobile court has fined three fertilizer traders Tk 20,000 in Puthia upazila of Rajshahi for selling fertilizer at inflated prices and creating an artificial shortage by refusing to supply farmers.

The fines were imposed on Monday afternoon during a drive conducted at fertilizer shops in Kartikpara Bazar under Shilmaria Union of Puthia Upazila.

The mobile court was led by Puthia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Liaquat Salman, with overall assistance from Upazila Agriculture Officer Smriti Rani Sarkar.

During the drive, the court found that the three shopkeepers were not supplying fertilizer to farmers and were charging higher-than-fixed prices. They were collectively fined Tk 20,000.

Following the action, the stockpiled fertilizer was sold to farmers at government-fixed prices. Farmers were able to purchase fertilizer according to their needs.

UNO Liaquat Salman said such drives in the public interest would continue regularly to prevent irregularities and ensure fair distribution of agricultural inputs.