Low cost rice scheme

Errant dealers face govt heat

As many as 62 dealerships across the country have been cancelled following a government crackdown on corruption and anomalies in the low-cost rice sale project for marginal families.
Food minister Kamrul Islam said this at a workshop on the implementation and public awareness of Food Safety Law, 2013, in Chittagong yesterday.
“The government had launched a food-friendly project to sell rice at Tk. 10 per kg to 50 lakh marginal families. The project was being implemented with sincere efforts of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and it has been hailed both nationally and internationally,” the minister said.
“We would not allow anyone to impede the project in any manner. Strict action would be taken against those involved in anomalies and corruption in this pro-poor scheme,” he added.
Kamrul also lauded the government’s efforts to strengthen food security in Bangladesh. “Our country is now self-sufficient in food. Earlier, we used to import food from abroad, but the scenario has completely changed. Now, we export around two lakh metric tonnes of food,” he said.
The minister praised new scientific methods and crackdown against adulteration for the improved food scenario. 
“Various food items are now being produced due to advances in scientific methods. Moreover, we could ensure food safety from production to the dinner table due to heightened vigilance against adulteration. For instance, there is no formalin in mangoes now because of strict vigilance in orchards,” he said. 
“The people should also be aware and raise their voice against adulteration,” he added.
Divisional commissioner Ruhul Anmin chaired the workshop, while president of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food, Md Abdul Wadud Dara, attended as special guest. Among others, Chittagong mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, Food Safety Control Authority chairman Md Mahafuzul Haque and Chittagong deputy commissioner Shamsul Arefin were present on the occasion.
Prior to the workshop, a procession was brought out in the city to raise awareness.

 

Low cost rice scheme

Errant dealers face govt heat

As many as 62 dealerships across the country have been cancelled following a government crackdown on corruption and anomalies in the low-cost rice sale project for marginal families. Food minister Kamrul Islam said this at a workshop on the implementation and public awareness of Food Safety Law, 2013, in Chittagong yesterday. The government had launched a food-friendly project to sell rice at Tk. 10 per kg to 50 lakh marginal families. The project was being implemented with sincere efforts of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and it has been hailed both nationally and internationally, the minister said. We would not allow anyone to impede the project in any manner. Strict action would be taken against those involved in anomalies and corruption in this pro-poor scheme, he added. Kamrul also lauded the governments efforts to strengthen food security in Bangladesh. Our country is now self-sufficient in food. Earlier, we used to import food from abroad, but the scenario has completely changed. Now, we export around two lakh metric tonnes of food, he said. The minister praised new scientific methods and crackdown against adulteration for the improved food scenario. Various food items are now being produced due to advances in scientific methods. Moreover, we could ensure food safety from production to the dinner table due to heightened vigilance against adulteration. For instance, there is no formalin in mangoes now because of strict vigilance in orchards, he said. The people should also be aware and raise their voice against adulteration, he added. Divisional commissioner Ruhul Anmin chaired the workshop, while president of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food, Md Abdul Wadud Dara, attended as special guest. Among others, Chittagong mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, Food Safety Control Authority chairman Md Mahafuzul Haque and Chittagong deputy commissioner Shamsul Arefin were present on the occasion. Prior to the workshop, a procession was brought out in the city to raise awareness.