SUKANTA HALDER

The government is making urgent efforts to secure fertiliser, especially urea, from both regular and alternative sources to ensure food security and prevent any supply shortage after June amid the US-Israel war on Iran.

Amid instability caused by the war, serious doubts have arisen over whether the 17 listed suppliers can deliver fertiliser through the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) opened an international tender, inviting global suppliers to secure this vital agricultural input.

Contacted by The Daily Star, BCIC Chairman Md Fazlur Rahman said the urea tender was widened for international participation to address the ongoing emergency situation caused by global disruptions in fuel and gas supply, which have led to domestic factory shutdowns.

He said that while there is no supply shortage until June, the country requires a reserve of around 600,000 tonnes of urea for the July-September period, which cannot be met through local production due to gas shortages.

“We are seeking imports from multiple sources, including Saudi A The

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