Ali Imam Majumder, Adviser -In- charge of the Ministry of Food and Land, said that since August 17, rice sales have been started among 5.5 million people across the country under the food friendly program at Tk 15 per kg. As a result, the rice market is under complete control throughout the country.
Adviser Ali Imam Majumder made these remarks during a press briefing with journalists at Dinajpur Circuit House on Wednesday.
He said that under the food friendly program, rice sales are ongoing for 10 lakh people in 8 districts of Rangpur division through registered dealers at 15 taka per kg, 5 days a week. If necessary, the quantity will be increased further under the food bandh program in this division, he announced.
He said, Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions are considered the food banks of the country. This year, the largest paddy and rice procurement campaign in the country's history has been successful. There is adequate food stock in the government warehouse. So that there is no crisis in the food market, permission has been given to import rice. Already, several rice importers have been able to import through land ports. If any unlicensed trader tries to create an artificial crisis by illegally stockpiling food, legal action will be taken against those illegal hoarders, including a campaign. We will not give any concession to any illegal hoarder.
He said that the amount of rice produced in the country is capable of meeting the needs of the people of the country. However, rice is not only needed as food for humans. Currently, rice is fed to cows, buffaloes, goats and poultry. As a result, this initiative has been taken to meet the additional demand for rice through imports. After the news of rice import was published, the supply of rice in the market has increased and the market price of rice is completely under control. He announced that the rice import activities will be continued according to the demand.
He said, "In the current market, the cost of farmers in producing all types of food items, including rice, has increased. Considering that, we are purchasing rice from farmers at a fair price and rice from traders. We are implementing this so that no one is deprived," he assured.
Earlier, on Wednesday from 11 am to 1:30 pm, Advisor Ali Imam Majumder Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner held a meeting on controlling the country's food market prices at the local Circuit House premises under the chairmanship of Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md. Shahidul Islam. Director General of the Food Department Md. Hasnat Humayun Kabir and Rangpur Divisional Food Control Officer Md. Zahurul Islam were present as special guests in the meeting. In addition, the Deputy Commissioners of 8 districts of Rangpur Division and District Food Control Officer, Superintendent of Police Md. Marfat Hossain and Rangpur Divisional Food Control Department Regional Maintenance Engineer Md. Arshad Ali along with officials of the concerned departments were present.
The meeting was conducted by Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Md. Rafiqul Islam.
