Newly appointed Food Minister Afroza Khanam has assumed office with a strong call for transparency and efficiency, declaring that the benefits of public food programmes must reach actual beneficiaries to guarantee national food security.
On her first day in office on Sunday, she met with senior officials of the ministry and its subordinate departments to review ongoing operations and outline her vision for a more accountable and people-friendly food distribution network.
During the meeting held at the ministry’s conference room, Khanam was briefed on overall activities, including food grain procurement, storage, supply management, public distribution, and future action plans.
A presentation detailed the ministry’s progress in managing public reserves, procuring grains directly from farmers, and ensuring a stable supply of food to consumers.
Addressing the gathering, the minister emphasised that the Ministry of Food holds a critical responsibility in delivering the government’s food security commitments.
She urged officials to execute public programmes more effectively, transparently, and with greater responsiveness to public needs.
“We must bring positive and visible changes to the ministry’s activities through sincerity, skill, dedication, and mutual cooperation,” she said, adding that the expectations of the public must remain the highest priority.
Khanam further insisted on maintaining strict discipline and efficiency across all stages of food procurement, preservation, transportation, and distribution to prevent leakage and ensure fair delivery.
Expressing her deep gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his trust and confidence, she noted that the ministry must play a pivotal role in translating the Prime Minister’s vision and the government’s pledges into reality through united and coordinated action.
Welcoming the new minister, officials assured her of their full cooperation in making the ministry’s operations more dynamic, effective, and consumer-oriented.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for Food Md Abdul Bari; Secretary Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, directorate general, alongside senior officials of the ministry, and Bangladesh Safe Food Authority.
