Food Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said the government has issued a warning alert to ensure sufficient food reserves are maintained to tackle any natural disaster. In response to a query about a fertiliser shortage in the country, the minister said, “Currently, there is no fertiliser crisis in the country.”
The minister made these remarks while answering questions from journalists at 11am on Saturday following the inauguration of a free medical camp at Dhankora Girish Chandra High School in Saturia Upazila, Manikganj, and a subsequent reception meeting organised by Saturia Upazila BNP and its associate organisations.
She added, “A review of the fertiliser situation at a recent meeting presided over by the prime minister revealed that there is an adequate stock of fertiliser in the country.”
“There might be some lack of coordination in distribution at the field level, but rice production in the ongoing Ropa Aman season will not be hampered in any way due to a fertiliser shortage,” she added.
She has also said that ensuring food security and safe food is the prime priority of the current government. The minister also warned that public health faces a serious threat if food safety is compromised. “Therefore, my ministry is giving the highest importance to this matter,” she said.
Regarding the supervision of food warehouses, the minister said food warehouses in every district across the country will be inspected in phases. She warned that immediate and strict measures will be taken wherever any irregularity is uncovered.
She added that immediate necessary actions have already been taken following the detection of irregularities at Ghior Upazila food warehouse in Manikganj.
On the communication system of south-western region, the food minister announced that the construction of ‘Y’-pattern second Padma Bridge over the river route connecting Paturia in Manikganj, Daulatdia in Rajbari, and Kazirhat in Pabna will commence shortly.
She said preliminary preparatory work, including feasibility studies, is already underway under the instructions of Tarique Rahman, expressing hope that visible construction work will start very soon.
The event was presided over by Dhankora Union BNP President Md Rafiqul Islam Jewel. Former President of Saturia Upazila BNP Abdul Quddus Khan Majlish Makhon and General Secretary Abul Bashar Sarker were present at the programme.
The event was jointly moderated by Saturia Upazila Jubo Dal Convener Muhammad Amir Hamza and Joint Convener Saiful Islam Bokul.
Other notable attendees included member of District BNP Convener Committee Advocate Awal Khan, former Joint Secretary of Saturia Upazila BNP Abdur Rahman, Organisational Secretary Shahin Azad Biplob, President of Saturia Upazila Krishak Dal Barkat Mollik, alongside other leaders of the district and upazila BNP and its associate organisations.
