Country saw no food shortage during pandemic: Minister
He also said there is adequate food stock in the country at present
There has been no shortage of food in the country during the Covid-19 pandemic and no one died from starvation during the period, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder said on Wednesday.
The government is selling rice through open market sales (OMS) across the country to ensure that low-wage earners do not suffer from a food crisis, he said, adding there is adequate food stock in the country at present.
The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion programme marking the National Safe Food Day 2022 held at the auditorium of Biam Foundation in the capital.
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Speakers at the programme stressed the importance of ensuring safe and nutritious food for all.
Food Minister Sadhan said the government is trying to raise consumer awareness on safe food through seminars, discussions, and mobile court drives.
He said, "There is no food shortage for the 18 crore people of the country. Now, [the government] is trying to provide nutritious food to the public.
"We achieved independence in nine months, so it is possible to ensure safe food for all in less than that time if we all work together."
Also speaking at the programme as a special guest, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim urged for honesty from people involved with food production to ensure safe food intake.
"There is no other immoral and sinful act like supplying bad food and sending people to their deaths. Traders should not feed rotten, poisonous, expired and adulterated food to the common people," he stated.
