CHATTOGRAM, Sept 27, 2025 (BSS)- Food Advisor Ali Imam Majumdar reiterated that the interim government is making relentlessly vigorous efforts to ensure food buffer stock and their adequate supply into the market during its tenure. 

He emphasized that the government has a well-thought-out plan and will manage the situation responsibly until the end of its tenure.

“The goal is to maintain the safer level of food reserves until the elections in mid-February,” the adviser said.
Ali Imam Majumdar made the remark while briefing journalists after a meeting on Open Market Sale (OMS) programs at Chattogram Circuit House here thia afternoon.

The adviser said, "We still have stock of about 1.6 million tons of rice and approximately 100,000 tons of wheat. A wheat carrying ship is currently waiting to be unloaded to lighter vessel at the Kutubdia outer anchorage. Additionally, two ships are on en-route to Chattogram Port from America and Russia, and more agreements are in process to purchase wheat from America."

Pointing out the expansion of the OMS program, the food adviser said a total of 5.5 lakh families are getting 30 kg of rice each per month. 

“The program, which previously ran for 5 months starting from September, now runs for 6 months from August. The goal is to benefit the enlisted families so that they do not need to buy rice at high price from the market,” he pointed out.

The adviser noted that the impact of the OMS program is already being visible with hopes for further price reductions. 

However, the government at the same time has to take into account the interest of farmers who are concern about getting fair price of their produce.
 
The adviser said Aman collection drive will begin at the end of November at a rate more than Taka 4 per kg comparing to last Boro season.

The government is planning to offer incentives to farmers in the upcoming Aman season. If there are no natural disasters and a good harvest, efforts will be made to purchase the maximum amount of paddy and rice during the Aman season, he said. 

Replying a question, the food adviser said the government will take punitive action against those who will try to create artificial crisis in the rice market.

Responding to another query on high food price inflation, Ali Imam Majumder said, officials assigned to monitor and supervise the market should be more vigil to prevent syndicates or extortionists from manipulating price under various pretexts.
 
Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin was in the chair while Director General of Food Department Abul Hasanat Humayun Kabir and field level officials of the food department were present.

BSS/MAM/MSN/AKH/