Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday formed a high-powered committee, headed by his adviser on public administration affairs, to ensure food safety and prevent food adulteration, the PMO press wing said.
Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla Sujon Mahmud told reporters that the three-member committee was tasked with identifying obstacles faced by agencies concerned with ensuring food safety, overseeing product quality, and conducting anti-adulteration drives.
He said the committee, comprising Prime Minister’s Adviser for Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari and Cabinet Division Secretary Nasimul Ghani, was asked to submit its report with recommendations within one month.
Officials from the Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection (DNCRP), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), city corporations, and those involved in anti-adulteration drives and mobile court operations attended the meeting.
During the meeting, officials of the DNCRP, BFSA and BSTI informed the prime minister about various challenges they face in carrying out anti-adulteration drives.
They particularly highlighted the need for increasing manpower at the district level, the establishment of advanced laboratories, modern equipment for field operations, and the enhancement of powers for mobile courts.
They also said officials often face security risks while conducting drives against influential groups and syndicates.
The prime minister listened carefully to their concerns, assured them of prompt action, and directed the formation of the three-member high-level committee.
“Problems will always exist. Yet we have to move forward despite those challenges. We cannot remain idle,” said Tarique Rahman.
“Many countries were once less developed than our country, but today they have advanced significantly. We also have to move forward. If everyone works together sincerely, it is certainly possible. For the sake of the country, everyone must become more responsible and conscious,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of public awareness, the prime minister cited the management of Gulshan Lake as an example.
“Many of our lakes are being filled with waste. Unfortunately, much of this waste is discarded by educated people in society. Those who are expected to be aware are often the ones who are not,” he said.
“To change the country, not only government initiatives but also goodwill and responsibility from citizens are essential. Everyone must come forward with greater awareness,” the prime minister added.
Prime Minister’s Adviser for Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari and Cabinet Division Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, and BSTI Director General Kazi Emdadul Hoque were present at the meeting.
