Speakers at a programme underscored the need for immediately formulating and implementing food rights act as food safety is vital to prevent infection, get proper nutrients and get adulteration-free foods. Mentioning unsafe food and water can cause infections and diseases, including diarrhoea, meningitis and jaundice, they said there is no alternative to enact food rights act for ensuring safe food for all the people of the country.

They came up with the call while addressing the National Conference on Food and Nutrition 2019 at the auditorium of Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh here on Wednesday. “Right to Food Bangladesh” has organised the event presided over by Chairman of Right to Food Bangladesh and Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad.

Prof MM Akhash, Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, Senior research fellow of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr Nazneen Ahmed, among others, addressed the conference. Khaliquzzaman, in his speech, said it is the responsibility of civil society to remind the government of its commitment, which it made in its election manifesto.

He added, “We have been demanding legislation on food rights which will help implement constitutional and government electoral commitments.” Managing Director of PKSF Md Moinuddin Abdullah said many countries are now encouraged to follow the path of Bangladesh as the country has already attained success in food production. Apart from food production, he said, the authorities concerned should focus on food safety as safe food as well nutrition is also crucial for public health.