Necessary initiatives will be taken to protect the rights of marginal salt farmers and mill owners to achieve self-sufficiency in salt production in the country, said Md. Obaidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries.
He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at the annual review meeting with local salt mill owners, organized by the district administration and BSCIC, held at the Shaheed ATM Zafar Alam Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner's Office.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan, was also addressed by BSCIC Chairman Md. Saiful Islam and Additional Deputy Commissioner Nizam Uddin Ahmed, among other relevant officials.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, BSCIC representatives, and leaders of salt mill owners and marginal salt farmers' associations.
Discussions at the meeting focused on current salt stockpiles, ensuring fair prices, the problems faced by salt mill owners and marginal farmers, and the potential of the salt industry.
Following the meeting, Industries Secretary Obaidur Rahman stated that no excuses would be accepted to allow the import of edible salt under the guise of industrial salt, and the ministry would take strict action in this regard.
The Secretary mentioned that participants had presented various opinions on setting fair prices for salt at the field level. He assured that the proposals would be reviewed at higher government levels to determine appropriate measures for fair pricing. Additionally, if land is available in Cox's Bazar, a salt storage facility will be established.
Md. Obaidur Rahman also informed that discussions will be held with relevant authorities to prevent frequent accidents on highways caused by slippery roads due to saltwater spillage during transport from Cox's Bazar.
