State Minister for Food Md. Abdul Bari announced today that Bangladesh's public food grain stock has reached an all-time high of over 22.90 lakh metric tons. Speaking in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS), he assured the House of stringent action against irregularities in food storage and food adulteration.
Record Food Grain Stock
According to the State Minister, government warehouses currently hold 18,29,387 metric tons of rice, 3,28,495 metric tons of wheat, and 2,03,664 metric tons of paddy, totaling 22,90,277 metric tons of food grains in rice terms. 'This is the highest food grain stock in the country's history,' he said, adding that farmers are producing and supplying adequate quantities of paddy and rice.
Action Against Irregularities
Responding to allegations of irregularities in food storage, the State Minister said he would personally investigate the matter and ensure legal action against anyone found responsible. He mentioned that disciplinary measures had already been taken against officials over negligence in food storage, including the dismissal of one official and punitive action against five others.
Combating Food Adulteration
Addressing food adulteration, a serious public health concern contributing to diseases such as cancer and kidney ailments, the State Minister said the prime minister has attached the highest importance to the issue. A nearly three-hour meeting chaired by the prime minister with magistrates conducting mobile courts, senior officials, and ministers concerned was held to make the anti-adulteration drive more effective.
A committee has been formed to recommend measures for strengthening the nationwide campaign against food adulteration. The committee has decided to intensify mobile court operations, strengthen market surveillance, and develop a coordinated enforcement mechanism. A unified framework involving the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, and other relevant agencies will be established.
Government Commitment
Md. Abdul Bari expressed optimism that, through transparency, accountability, and coordinated enforcement, the government would achieve the same level of success in combating food adulteration as it has in other sectors. He assured that the government would take all necessary steps, in line with the prime minister's directives, to ensure safe and adulteration-free food for consumers.
