Food Minister Afroza Khanam today (10 October) said Bangladesh has adequate food stocks compared to the country’s demand, expressing optimism that there will be no supply shortage during the upcoming Ramadan.
She stressed the need for proper storage, efficient management and timely distribution, alongside maintaining adequate stocks to ensure food security for the people.
The minister made the remarks while briefing journalists after inspecting Chattogram Jetty and Silo.
She later visited warehouses at Dewanhat CSD and inaugurated the conference room of Halishahar CSD.
Afroza Khanam said practical plans must be drawn up considering regional demand, warehouse-wise stock levels and supply capacity.
Coordination at every stage, from food procurement to storage and distribution, would help reduce delays, transportation costs and food waste, she said.
Responding to questions about food supplies and prices during Ramadan, the minister said adequate stocks would help ensure an uninterrupted supply. However, she stressed the need for advance preparations, taking into account increased demand, transportation costs and volatility in international markets.
She said effective measures were needed to assess potential demand for food items, review progress in imports and domestic procurement, and promptly resolve obstacles in the supply chain.
International factors, including fuel shortages, could put upward pressure on prices, she said, adding that the government was working to maintain normal food supplies in the market while considering people’s purchasing power and interests.
Emphasising the need to resolve existing complications in food imports and ensure timely delivery to the country, the minister called for stronger coordination among the relevant departments.
She also stressed the need for practical initiatives to address staff shortages and administrative constraints in the food department.
Regarding her inspection of Chattogram Jetty and Silo, the minister said she had reviewed the effectiveness of existing infrastructure, progress in project implementation and limitations in storage facilities.
Necessary measures would be taken in coordination with the relevant departments and ministries to resolve the problems identified during the visit, she said.
The minister also emphasised regular warehouse maintenance, quality testing of stored food and ensuring that necessary equipment remained operational.
She said long-unused facilities should be made functional again, while accurate warehouse-wise stock records, regular inspections and accountability must be ensured.
The Director General of the Directorate General of Food, officials of the food department, senior district administration officials and journalists from print and electronic media were present during the inspection and inauguration.
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