The interim government has decided to procure 90,000 metric tonnes of various fertilisers from three Middle Eastern countries—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—at a total cost of Tk338.94 crore.
The approval came during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase, chaired by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, on Wednesday (4 December).
According to sources from the meeting, the Ministry of Industries secured approval for three proposals under the current fiscal year 2024–2025.
The procurement includes 30,000 tonnes of bulk granular urea fertiliser from the Saudi Agricultural Nutrient Company (SABIC) under the 11th lot.
This consignment will cost Tk123.23 crore, with the price per tonne set at $342.33.
The committee also sanctioned the purchase of 30,000 tonnes of bagged prilled urea fertiliser under the 6th lot from Qatar Energy Marketing. The deal amounts to Tk133.08 crore, with each tonne priced at $369.67.
In a separate proposal, 30,000 metric tonnes of rock phosphate will be imported for TSP Complex Ltd. (TSPCL) through an open tender. UAE-based firm Messrs Gentrade FZE will supply the fertiliser, which is manufactured in Morocco.
The expenditure for this purchase stands at Tk82.62 crore, with a per-tonne cost of $229.50.
Besides fertiliser procurement, the committee approved additional proposals to purchase rice, sugar, and lentils.
During the meeting, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed commented on the ongoing tensions in Bangladesh's relationship with India, describing the strain as political and unrelated to trade.
"Merchants are not swayed by political rhetoric. They sell products where demand exists. Bangladesh will continue sourcing goods from wherever they are available at the lowest prices," he affirmed.
