Applications have poured in for the recruitment of fertilizer dealers in Chittagong, with 1,010 applications submitted so far against 384 posts in 16 upazilas of the district and the city.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) issued the recruitment notice on August 21 to appoint dealers to sell fertilizer to farmers. Although September 10 is the final date for applications, 1,010 applications had been submitted, according to DAE.
The recruitment will cover 29 dealer positions across 15 unions and two municipalities in Mirsarai, 18 in Sitakunda, 11 in north Fatikchhari, 25 in Fatikchhari municipality and 11 unions, 33 in Hathazari, one in Hathazari areas under City Corporation Ward-1, 30 in Raozan, 32 in Rangunia, 24 in Boalkhali, 34 in Patiya, 10 in Karnaphuli, 24 in Anwara, 15 in Chandanaish, four in Lohagara, 27 in Satkania, 28 in Banshkhali and 37 in Sandwip.
In addition, one fertilizer dealer each will be appointed in Panchlaish and Patenga areas of Chittagong City Corporation.
Applicants are required to submit national identity cards and citizenship certificates, three recent passport-size photographs, trade licences, documents detailing ownership or rental agreement for the proposed shop and warehouse, and recent bank solvency certificates.
They must also submit a signed list of family members, certified by a local public representative, including parents, sons, unmarried daughters and dependent siblings, as well as a certificate confirming submission of the latest income tax return.
A visit to the DAE office found applicants submitting their forms directly at the office conference room. Officials assigned to the process were checking and receiving the applications.
Although long queues of applicants were seen during the initial days of the process, the rush has eased in recent days. Officials said 1,010 applications had been received by Thursday afternoon.
DAE Deputy Director Apru Marma said that applications were being accepted for the appointment of fertilizer dealers. “The initial deadline for submitting applications was August 31. Later, the deadline was extended. The current deadline is September 10,” he said.