Dhaka:Food Minister Afroza Khanam emphasized the necessity of developing sustainable infrastructure and long-term storage facilities to enhance the foodgrain storage capacity of the country, thereby ensuring food security.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks as the chief guest at a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the Directorate General of Food and the Public Works Department held at the Food Department's conference room.
The MoU seeks to develop foodgrain storage infrastructure, ensure construction quality, and bolster the nation's food preservation capacity. State Minister for Public Administration and Food Abdul Bari and State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahammad Sohel Monzoor attended the event as special guests.
Afroza Khanam outlined the ministry's adoption of sustainable infrastructure development plans based on projected demand over the next 10 to 15 years and emphasized prioritizing storage infrastructure in high foodgrain production areas. She also urged the Public Works Department to expedite the renovation and upgrading of existing warehouses and the construction of new storage facilities.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate food reserves to address future crises, the minister noted that international developments, wars, and rising fuel prices should be factored into the country's food security planning.
State Minister Abdul Bari stressed the significance of adequate foodgrain reserves and an efficient distribution system as essential pillars of national food security. He emphasized the need to increase storage capacity, develop infrastructure through proper planning, and implement ongoing projects on time while maintaining construction quality.
State Minister Ahammad Sohel Monzoor pointed out that regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the durability of government infrastructure and assured that the Public Works Department would continue to support infrastructure development efforts. He also mentioned the introduction of a dashboard-based monitoring system to reduce project implementation delays and track progress.
The speakers expressed hope that coordinated efforts between the two departments would accelerate the construction, renovation, and maintenance of food warehouses, reduce foodgrain wastage, and strengthen the country's food security. The MoU was signed by Director General of the Directorate General of Food Md Jasim Uddin Khan and Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department Md Khalequzzaman Chowdhury.