A section is spreading misleading information about food shortage but there is no danger of food shortage in Bangladesh. The campaign against hoarding is going to be intensified.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder made the remarks while he was speaking as the chief guest in an online view exchange meeting on internal procurement and market monitoring for the Boro 2022 season on Thursday.
The food minister said the government procures rice to confirm fair price for the farmers and ensure national food security.
“Food department officials need to work to make Boro collection a success. No negligence will be tolerated,” he said.
He instructed officials concerned to collect good quality paddy from farmers.
Big corporate houses are collecting rice. He directed the authorities concerned to increase surveillance in the rice market.
Addressing the officials of the food department, Sadhan Chandra Majumder said that emphasis should be laid on issuing and renewing food grain licenses. We need to make sure that none can do business without a license. There should not be any illegal hoarding. He directed to take necessary action against illegal hoarders in accordance with the Special Powers Act, 1974.
He said prices of rice and wheat have started falling in neighbouring countries. He is also giving letters to the effect that the countries will export rice and wheat. Noting that the market will not be allowed to destabilize, he said rice imports will be reduced if necessary.
Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Food Md. Mojibur Rahman presided over the meeting.
Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong Division Md. Ashraf Uddin, Deputy Commissioners of Chittagong and Sylhet divisions, Deputy Directors of Agriculture Department, field level officials of Food Department and mill owners were virtually present in the meeting.
