Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid, minister for Food, Fisheries & Livestock, and Agriculture, stated on Tuesday that the government intends to move beyond criticism to set a “beautiful example” and leave a better Bangladesh for future generations.
“Criticising is the easiest job in the world. We want to stop the criticism and leave a beautiful example for the next generation so they remember us,” the minister said while addressing an exchange meeting with officials of the Directorate General of Food at Khadya Bhaban.
The minister noted that the current government assumed office through a fair and acceptable election, and consequently, public expectations are very high.
During the meeting, officials briefed the minister on the ongoing activities and challenges faced by the Directorate General of Food.
Highlighting a critical health concern, the minister pointed out that various tests have detected excessive levels of heavy metals in domestically produced food.
“We must move away from this. Our Honourable Prime Minister has given priority to farmers, food production, and food quality,” he said.
Minister Rashid emphasised that the government’s goal is to ensure both food supply and quality so that citizens do not have to worry about food safety. He proposed further developing the Bangladesh Safe Food Authority to oversee quality control for imports and exports. By connecting with the USFDA, their certifications would gain global acceptance, facilitating the target of exporting rice and other food products.
“I have come to work truly for the welfare of the people. Since I am dedicating time here, it must be meaningful,” the minister told the officials, requesting their full cooperation.
He urged them to not only identify problems but also propose potential solutions through teamwork and a departure from conventional working methods.
Also present at the meeting was Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, minister of state for Food, Fisheries & Livestock, and Agriculture, who emphasised the importance of food security and adulteration-free food.
Food Secretary Md Firoz Sarkar assured that the problems within the Directorate would be solved gradually and urged officials to work with sincerity while remaining vigilant against misinformation.
AHM Kamruzzaman, director General of Food, affirmed that officials and employees at all levels would work sincerely to implement the government’s initiatives.
