Food Minister Afroza Khanam spoke at Directorate of Food conference room meeting. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Sept 6, 2026 (BSS) - Food Minister Afroza Khanam today said that to ensure food security for the people, utmost importance must be given to safe food storage and food quality standards. 

"At the same time, advance planning and adequate reserves must be maintained to ensure uninterrupted food supply during any disaster or crisis situation," she said.

The minister made the remarks during an exchange of views with officials at the conference room of the Directorate of Food, said a press release here. 

Director General of the Directorate of Food Md. Jasim Uddin Khan chaired the meeting while Food Secretary Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana and officials from various levels of the Directorate took part. 

Addressing the officers and employees, the Food Minister said, sincere cooperation from all is required to implement the government's set targets. Everyone must perform their respective duties properly. Without collective effort, it is not possible to achieve the desired goals. 

Mentioning that strict action would be taken against irregularities, she said that the reputation of the entire institution must not be allowed to be tarnished due to the irregularities of a few individuals.

The minister further said that many long-pending tasks are still incomplete. Noting the dilapidated condition of food warehouses and infrastructure in various parts of the country, she said that necessary measures should be taken promptly.

Referring to the dilapidated condition of the Saturia food warehouse in Manikganj, Afroza said that the warehouse is in an extremely precarious state and an accident could occur at any time. She instructed the concerned officials to take necessary measures promptly in this regard.

Emphasizing the evaluation of the work of Food Inspectors, OCs (officers-in-charge) of LSDCs (Local Supply Distribution Centers), and other field-level officials, the Food Minister said that to encourage officials, regular evaluation initiatives could to improve the quality of their work.

She added that if any complaint is lodged against an official, a proper investigation and verification of data must be conducted instead of making a one-sided decision.