According to Food Advisor Ali Imam Majumder, the nation now possesses 1.3 million metric tons of wheat and rice in store. He stated that measures are being taken by the administration to maintain stable prices for necessities throughout the forthcoming month of Ramadan. Five million families would receive 30 kg of rice at a cost of Tk 15 per kg throughout the month of Ramadan. Ten million families will also receive 100,000 metric tons of rice as a present during Eid-ul-Fitr.
This information was provided by him at a news conference held at the office of the Cox’s Bazar District Commissioner on Thursday, February 13, following a discussion on “Strengthening Measures to Prevent Food Grain Smuggling.” The advisor emphasized that there is no risk of a food crisis in the country. However, due to the civil war in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, there is a possibility of a food shortage there.
In order to stop food grain smuggling from Bangladesh, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and other law enforcement organizations have been directed to keep a close eye on the border. Ten million families will get 100,000 metric tons of rice as part of the Eid gift distribution and the food-friendly program throughout Ramadan. In order to stop food grain smuggling into Myanmar, tight border surveillance is being stepped up. “There is a risk of some smuggling from Bangladesh if a food crisis arises in Myanmar’s Rakhine state,” the food expert added at the news briefing. Fuel and fertilizer smuggling has already been a tendency in the past.
Therefore, it has been agreed to keep up and, if needed, increase surveillance to make sure that no smuggling takes place. The nation’s food supply and import system are stable at the moment, he said. The short-term rice crisis will be over, and rice prices will stay the same, barring a significant natural disaster in the near future. District Commissioner Muhammad Salahuddin presided over a meeting of the District Anti-Smuggling Committee earlier, which was attended by high-ranking representatives from the army, BGB, RAB, police, and district administration.
Source: Daily Ittefaq
