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“It will not work if you think about it in a typical way. It will have to be given top priority. There is not much time. This must also be understood, as the issue of food security is linked to fertiliser,” he said.

Jahangir Alam Khan, an agri economist, said the immediate shortfall is manageable, but the country needs to address structural vulnerability in fertiliser sourcing.

“We need to diversify supply sources instead of depending mainly on Gulf nations,” he told The Daily Star.

Another economist, Abdul Bayes, said diplomatic engagement, including maintaining ties with Iran, may be necessary to ensure the smooth passage of fertiliser shipments through the Hormuz.

He said that transparent and timely tendering is critical to preventing cost escalation and ensuring stable supply.

Disruptions in fertiliser, fuel and other agricultural inputs linked to Gulf tensions could pose risks to food production if not managed carefully, he added.

Officials say efforts are underway to secure supplies from countries less exposed to Middle East shipping risks.

BCIC Chairman Rahman said potential alternative sources include Malaysia, Brunei, Russia, Vietnam, Egypt and Azerbaijan, subject to commercial viability and diplomatic clearance.

Separately, BCIC has initiated steps to import 80,000 tonnes of urea from the Middle East under a government-to-government arrangement. However, a tender to hire vessels reportedly received no response.

On condition of anonymity, a senior official at Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) said that Saudi Arabia has committed to supplying two monthly shipments totalling 80,000 tonnes once conditions stabilise. A shipment from Morocco is expected in May.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), urea prices have risen by as much as 19 percent in recent weeks amid Middle East tensions. Prolonged disruption could raise import costs further and increase food prices globally.