Dhaka: Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder has emphasized the necessity of ensuring food safety to enable Bangladesh's entry into the global market for food exports. Bangladesh possesses significant potential for food exportation, yet the inability to guarantee safe food across all sectors hinders its capacity to seize this opportunity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Majumder highlighted the global demand backdrop, suggesting that Bangladesh could become a prominent food exporter. However, the lack of comprehensive food safety measures limits this potential. He addressed these concerns at a seminar on 'Modern Food Safety System in Bangladesh' organized by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.
Majumder underscored the importance of food safety as Bangladesh advances toward becoming a developing nation, viewing it as a fundamental aspect of national welfare. Despite successes in various fields, he acknowledged that substantial work remains in the realm of safe food. He called for coordinated efforts to establish a modern, safe food system.
He further asserted that ensuring food safety and quality would enhance Bangladesh's access to international markets, thereby boosting exports from the agriculture and food sectors. Majumder also noted the need for skilled manpower and internationally recognized laboratories to gain global recognition for the country's food safety system.
The adviser revealed that the interim government is initiating the construction of a modern food testing lab in Dhaka, under a loan agreement with the Japanese government. This lab will serve as the reference facility for the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, with additional plans for an office building and a special training center aimed at capacity building for officials and traders.
Plans are also underway to construct laboratory and office buildings in the Chattogram and Khulna divisions, with an emphasis on strengthening food examination and legal procedures nationwide.
The seminar featured a keynote presentation by Manjur Morshed Ahmed, Director of the Food Science and Technology Institute of the Bangladesh Science and Industrial Research Council (BSIRC), with Food Secretary M Masudul Hasan presiding over the event. Japanese Ambassador Shinichi Saida and JICA chief representative Tomohide Ichiguchi participated as guests of honor.
The Japanese envoy highlighted the robust cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan, expressing pleasure at expanding this partnership into the area of safe food. Meanwhile, the Food Secretary stressed the need for a holistic approach to developing a modern food safety system rather than relying on partial solutions.
Bangladesh Food Safety Authority Chairman Zakaria expressed gratitude to JICA for its ongoing support, and the seminar was attended by representatives from food regulatory bodies, various ministries, the business community, donor agencies, and both local and international organizations.