The Bangladesh government today, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, approved in principle a significant proposal for the import of urea fertilizer from Saudi Arabia under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement for the current fiscal year. This decision aims to secure a vital agricultural input for the nation.
The approval came during the 23rd meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs this year, held at the Cabinet Division Conference Room in the Bangladesh Secretariat. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed chaired the meeting.
After the meeting, the Finance Adviser briefed reporters on the outcomes. He announced that the agreement will be signed between the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) and SABIC Agri-Nutrients Company of Saudi Arabia, a global leader in the fertilizer industry. Bangladesh has an existing agreement with Saudi Arabia to import 480,000 tonnes of fertilizer under the G2G system, with current efforts focusing on expanding and streamlining these imports to ensure a steady supply for local demand.
In addition to the fertilizer import, the committee also granted in-principle approval to another notable proposal. This involves the handover of Jalil Textile Mills Limited, located at Bhatiari in Chattogram and currently under the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC), to the Bangladesh Army. This transfer is intended to facilitate the expansion of the Bangladesh Ordnance Factories (BOF) in the Chattogram area.
However, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed clarified that the land would not be transferred at a “token price.” He emphasized a new government policy stating that state-owned land will no longer be allocated at nominal rates, but rather at proper market value to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of public resources. This policy applies to all government agencies and organizations seeking to acquire state land.
Relevant advisers and secretaries attended the meeting to deliberate on these key economic and strategic decisions.
