Prime Minister's Adviser for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, spoke at the weekly press briefing on the progress of various government activities. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 25, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister's Adviser for Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman today said that there was no shortage of fertiliser in the country; rather, the stock is adequate compared to the demand.

"There are some problems in the distribution process in certain areas. The government is taking strict measures to resolve these temporary problems," he said. 

The adviser made the remarks while responding to a question at the weekly press briefing on the progress of various government activities at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) in the Bangladesh Secretariat here.

Highlighting the fertiliser situation and challenges in the international market, Dr Zahed said, "There is an adequate stock of fertiliser in the country. To ensure that farmers do not face any difficulties, approval has already been given to import a large quantity of fertiliser."

The Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase on Monday gave the approval to import 365,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, he said, adding, a week earlier, approval had been given to purchase another 115,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser from Canada, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Providing details of the country's fertiliser stock, the adviser said the country currently has a total stock of 13.65 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser, including 4.82 lakh tonnes of urea, 3.69 lakh tonnes of TSP, 3.68 lakh tonnes of DAP and 1.46 lakh tonnes of MOP.

Besides, a large quantity of fertiliser is awaiting import from the international market and is undergoing the process of final approval, he added.

Regarding irregularities in the distribution system and temporary shortages in some areas, Dr Zahed said the government is bringing some specific changes to the distribution system in the interests of farmers and the people. 

As some dealers failed to collect their allocated fertiliser on time, temporary instability emerged, while immediate action has been initiated, including transfers of responsible officials and administrative measures against those responsible, he added.

Stating the global context, the adviser said around 25 percent of the world's fertiliser transportation passes through the Strait of Hormuz. 

In view of the risks posed by extreme tensions in the Middle East and natural uncertainties such as El Ni¤o, the government is ensuring uninterrupted fertiliser supplies in advance to keep the country within a food-security safety net, he added.

At the briefing, Dr Zahed also presented updates on progress in other important sectors.

He said evidence of digitally spreading 464 false and misleading information against the government was found while 157 were spread in the name of the Prime Minister himself.

A panel of lawyers is being finalised in coordination with the Ministry of Law in this regard, the adviser said, adding, legal action, including legal notices, will soon be taken against those spreading misinformation. 

At the same time, an initiative has been taken to expand the Press Institute of Bangladesh's 'Bangla Fact' project under the 'New Media Project', he said.

Noting that the price of LNG has jumped from US$12-14 per unit to US$24 in the international market, Dr Zahed said a temporary electricity and gas shortage has currently emerged due to an FSRU accident. 

To make the situation tolerable, drilling and re-drilling work is underway at 150 wells to extract 1,750 MMCFD of gas from domestic sources, he added. 

The adviser said work is also underway to bring gas quickly from Bhola through a pipeline. 

Besides, the government is considering allowing industries to pay their outstanding gas and electricity bills in 12 monthly installments instead of paying them all at once, he added.

As part of the modernisation of the Bangladesh Air Force, Dr Zahed said, discussions are underway to procure fourth-generation MRCA multi-role combat fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, VIP helicopters and modern UAV systems.

He also said that Tk 2035.86 crore in long-pending retirement and welfare benefits accumulated over four years for teachers and employees had been digitally transferred directly to the bank accounts of teachers in all 64 districts. 

Besides, the second phase of the universal 'Family Card' programme has begun for 41 lakh families at a cost of Taka 14,000 crore, which is expected to create a positive multiplier effect on the rural economy.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman and State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury also spoke at the briefing. 

Secretary of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry Mahbuba Farjana and Principal Information Officer (PIO) Syed Abdal Ahmed were present at the briefing.