RAJSHAHI: Experts at a workshop today emphasized the need to raise public awareness to encourage the increased use of iodized salt, highlighting its importance as an essential nutrient for normal mental and physical development in humans. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sarwar Hossain, the Head of the Basic Salt Cell of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), addressed the workshop as the key speaker. He pointed out that iodine deficiency is a significant malnutrition issue in the country, leading to various health problems, including goiter, dwarfism, premature abortion, and physical and mental disabilities. To address this issue, the government, through BSCIC and under the Ministry of Industry, has been running a public iodized salt production program since 1990. As a result of this initiative, 76% of households now use iodized salt, making it possible to eradicate visible goiter, Hossain added. The workshop, organized by BSCIC with support from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), was conducted at the BSCIC Rajshahi regional office. BSCIC Chairman Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Khan attended as the chief guest, with Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Rajshahi Afia Akhtar presiding over the event. During the discussions, experts noted that the iodine deficiency rate was 68.90% at the start of iodized salt production in 1993. Due to widespread efforts and awareness campaigns, this rate had decreased by 24.6% by the 2019-20 period. The event was attended by BSCIC Rajshahi Deputy General Manager Md Rafiqul Islam, heads from 16 districts of the BSCIC Rajshahi region, representatives from BSTI, Safe Food Authority, National Directorate of Consumer Protection, District Fisheries and Livestock, and members of both the print and electronic media. A video documentary on the importance of iodine was also presented during the workshop, attended by around 60 participants, including officials from public and private institutions, salt traders, and consumers.
