On World Food Day, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed his commitment to the farmers who feed the nation.
He said, “Bangladesh was built by their hands, nourished by their sacrifices, and gained strength from their unwavering stability. From the fertile fields of Bogura to the floating gardens of Barisal – every grain holds the story of their resilience and the reflection of our collective future.”
He made these remarks in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Thursday on the occasion of World Food Day.
He said, “BNP believes that true food security is possible through a joint partnership of the government, farmers, entrepreneurs, and the people, where everyone together will build a sustainable food system.”
Tarique Rahman said, “President Ziaur Rahman assumed leadership amidst the shadow of famine and despair. He knew that without food security, the meaning of independence was incomplete. Under his leadership, Bangladesh embarked on a path from dependence to dignity – through the expansion of irrigation, canal re-excavation, and multiple cropping, the famine-stricken nation was set on the path to food self-sufficiency.”
He added, “Prime Minister Khaleda Zia carried that legacy forward to a new generation. Farmers were empowered through fertiliser subsidies, rural electrification, and Food-for-Work programmes, which revitalised the countryside and ensured no family went hungry.”
He added, As Bangladesh faces food price hikes, water scarcity, and climate threats, we must stand firmer on that foundation – not only for our own people but also for those who have sought refuge in our country.”
Tarique Rahman further said, “Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.15 million Rohingya refugees – the world’s largest refugee camp. There, with international aid declining, each family is now surviving on food assistance of only six dollars per month.”
According to Tarique Rahman, coordinated and urgent action by the government, international organisations, donor countries, and private partners is now a demand of the time – to restore food assistance and strengthen livelihood opportunities. He said the world must collectively reaffirm its commitment to addressing this crisis.
Outlining BNP’s framework for food and agricultural security, he said, “Every farmer will be provided with a secure digital ID card, through which they will get direct access to fertilisers, subsidies, fair prices, loans, crop insurance, and participation in government procurement – without middlemen. This will stop exploitation and make farmers genuine partners in the national economy.”
The BNP acting chairman said, 1.3 million new jobs will be created in the agriculture and processing sectors – farmers will be connected to local and foreign markets through cold storage, processing industries, and export-oriented food industries.
Food waste will be reduced and farmers’ income will be increased by establishing modern warehouses and cold storage. Youth will be developed as agricultural entrepreneurs by providing mechanisation, drone technology, and startup funds, he added.
