Food Minister Afroza Khanam on Saturday said Bangladesh has sufficient food stocks to meet domestic demand and expressed confidence that the country would face no supply shortages during the upcoming Ramadan.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the Chattogram Jetty and Silo on 10 October, she said advance preparations were essential to address higher demand, rising transport costs and volatility in international markets.
The minister said the government was assessing potential Ramadan demand, reviewing progress in food imports and domestic procurement and identifying bottlenecks in the supply chain.
She warned that global developments, including international fuel crises, could put upward pressure on food prices.
The government is working to maintain uninterrupted food supplies while protecting consumers’ purchasing power and interests, she added.
Afroza stressed the need for imported food consignments to arrive on schedule and called for closer coordination among relevant departments to resolve import-related complications. She also urged practical measures to address staff shortages and administrative constraints within the Food Department.
Despite adequate stocks, the minister said proper preservation, efficient storage management and timely distribution were essential to ensuring food security during Ramadan.
She directed officials to coordinate their activities to maintain steady supplies, minimise waste and ensure efficient use of public resources.
The minister also called for demand-based planning that considers regional consumption patterns, warehouse inventories and distribution capacity across the country.
She said better coordination throughout procurement, storage and distribution would help reduce delays, transport costs and food spoilage.
During her inspection of the Chattogram Jetty and Silo, the minister reviewed the efficiency of existing infrastructure, progress in project implementation and limitations in storage facilities.
She said necessary measures would be taken in coordination with the relevant departments and ministries to address the problems identified.
Afroza emphasised regular warehouse maintenance, quality testing of stored food and keeping essential equipment operational.
She also called for reopening long-unused facilities, maintaining accurate inventory records, conducting regular inspections and strengthening accountability.
Coordinated efforts would improve storage capacity, reduce waste and address weaknesses in the food supply system, she said.
Following the jetty inspection, the minister visited the Dewanhat Central Supply Depot (CSD) warehouse and inaugurated a conference room at the Halishahar CSD.
The Director General of the Directorate General of Food, officials from the Food Division and senior district administration officials accompanied the minister.
