Saturia: Food Minister Afroza Khanam Rita on Saturday said action will be taken against anyone found involved in irregularities at food warehouses across the country. She emphasized that food security and food safety are among the government's top priorities and warned that no one would be spared if irregularities are detected.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister stated that all food warehouses across the country will be inspected in phases, and immediate action will be taken against those involved in irregularities. She made these remarks while responding to questions from local journalists after attending a free medical camp and civic reception at Dhankora Girish Chandra High School in Saturia upazila on Saturday afternoon.
The minister highlighted the importance of ensuring food safety alongside food security, noting that unsafe food can harm people's health. Afroza Khanam stated that strict monitoring would be conducted to ensure proper storage and management of food at government warehouses.
She revealed that irregularities had recently been found at a food warehouse in Ghior upazila of Manikganj, and necessary action had already been taken against those concerned after the matter came to her attention. The minister assured that the country currently has sufficient food stocks to meet any emergency or disaster situation.
In addition to maintaining adequate food reserves, Afroza Khanam said that special attention is being paid to the supply system to prevent any disruption in food availability during disasters or crises. Addressing concerns about the fertiliser situation, she confirmed there is currently no fertiliser shortage in Bangladesh.
The minister mentioned a recent meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, where officials confirmed the availability of sufficient fertiliser stocks in the country. Despite some lack of coordination in fertiliser distribution in certain areas, she reassured that there is no reason to fear any disruption to rice production during the ongoing Aman season.