State Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Mir Shahe Alam has alleged that political activists may have contributed to fertiliser shortages in some districts to mislead the government. He claimed that lawmakers from the 11-party alliance represent the districts where problems with fertiliser supply have emerged, while districts represented by BNP lawmakers have not faced similar difficulties.The minister made the remarks on Wednesday after visiting the proposed site of the Shaheed Abrar Fahad Bridge over the Gorai River at Garaighat in Koya Union of Kumarkhali upazila, Kushtia, around 2pm.Shahe Alam said the fertiliser dealers inherited by the current government had been appointed during the previous authoritarian regime. He alleged that a lack of cooperation from some dealers had led to several isolated incidents.Responding to questions from journalists, the state minister said allegations of irregularities in fertiliser dealer appointments during the current government's tenure would be investigated.He said administrative officials had been directly involved in the appointment process, with upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) and deputy commissioners (DCs) overseeing the activities. He added that he was unaware of whom the opposition was accusing in connection with the alleged irregularities.Bridge project to move forward after technical studiesThe minister also said the proposed bridge over the Gorai River was being considered following a request by the father of Shaheed Abrar Fahad during a meeting with the prime minister on October 8. According to Shahe Alam, Abrar Fahad's father had requested the construction of a mosque and a bridge over the Gorai River. Following the prime minister's instructions to expedite the bridge project, the minister visited the proposed site with engineers involved in the project.We need to be given some time. We will conduct soil tests and carry out the necessary studies before starting construction, he said. Speaking on behalf of the prime minister, Shahe Alam expressed confidence that the Shaheed Abrar Fahad Bridge over the Gorai River would be implemented within a short time, Insha Allah.Officials and BNP leaders presentAmong those present during the visit were Kushtia-1 (Daulatpur) MP Reza Ahmed Bachchu Mollah, reserved-seat MP Farida Yasmin, district council administrator and Principal Sohrab Uddin, former MP Mehedi Ahmed Rumi, Kushtia district BNP convener Kutub Uddin Ahmed and member secretary Engineer Zakir Hossain Sarkar, along with other BNP and affiliated organisation leaders.LGED Supervising Engineer (Administration and Investigation Unit) Md Ebadat Ali, Project Director Md Ashrafuzzaman of the bridge construction project over the Gorai River in Khoksa upazila, Kushtia Deputy Commissioner, the police superintendent and other officials concerned were also present.