Food Minister Stresses Ensuring Benefits Reach Beneficiaries

Newly appointed Food Minister Afroza Khanam has stressed the need to ensure transparency and accountability in food management and make sure government food programme benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. She made the remarks at a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Food and its agencies at the ministry’s conference room on Sunday (August 23). At the meeting, officials briefed the minister on the ministry’s activities, ongoing programmes, food grain procurement, storage and supply, government food distribution and future plans. A presentation also highlighted food security measures, government stock management, procurement from farmers and food supply to consumers.

Afroza Khanam said the Food Ministry has a key responsibility in ensuring the country’s food security. She urged officials to implement government food programmes in a more effective, transparent and people-friendly manner. The minister called for visible improvements in the ministry’s activities and stressed the importance of efficiency, discipline, dedication and cooperation among officials and employees. She also urged them to prioritise the needs and expectations of the people.

She said, “We all want to bring positive and visible changes in the activities of the Ministry of Food. Transparency, accountability, efficiency and quality of service must be further enhanced for the welfare of the people. Every officer and employee of the Ministry of Food must work with utmost sincerity and responsibility from their respective positions to implement the Prime Minister’s vision.” The minister also stressed maintaining efficiency and discipline at every stage of food procurement, storage, transportation and distribution. She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his confidence in appointing her and called on ministry officials to work together to implement the government’s commitments.