Food Minister Afroza Khanam today spoke as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the 11th BAPA FoodPro International Expo-2026. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Sept 10, 2026 (BSS) – Food Minister Afroza Khanam today said the government is committed to ensuring food security under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“Safe and quality food production, processing and use of modern technology are extremely important for the development of the country’s food industry,” he said.

The minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the 11th BAPA FoodPro International Expo-2026 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital, said a press release.

Afroza stressed the need for coordinated efforts by the government, entrepreneurs and all concerned stakeholders to further advance the country’s promising food and agro-based industries.

She said the government is giving the highest priority to implementing the commitments made in the BNP’s election manifesto under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman regarding food security, development of farmers and agriculture, and ensuring safe and quality food for the people.

The minister said ensuring a safe, hygienic and quality food supply for consumers alongside food security is one of the government’s key priorities.

“To this end, quality control must be given importance at every stage, from food production to processing, preservation and marketing,” she added.

Afroza urged entrepreneurs in the country’s food and processed food industries to further strengthen their position in the international market.

She said there has an opportunity to earn foreign currency by improving the quality of Bangladeshi food products through the use of modern technology and innovation and expanding exports of these products.

The minister said initiatives are being taken to ensure fair prices for agricultural products, reducing wastage, creating employment opportunities and increasing exports of domestic products by making the country’s food processing industry modern, technology-driven and internationally competitive. 

“In this regard, events like the BAPA FoodPro International Expo play an important role in implementing the government’s commitments by creating linkages among entrepreneurs, technologists and international partners,” she said.

The Bangladesh Agro-Processors Association (BAPA) and Rainbow Exhibition and Event Management Services Limited (REEMS) jointly organised the event.

More than 200 brands from 37 countries are participating in this year’s expo.

Participating countries include Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkiye, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, among others. 

BAPA President Mahbub Anam presided over the inaugural ceremony.

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority Chairman Md Shafiqul Islam and FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman attended the programme as special guests.

Expo Organising Committee Chairman and PRAN-RFL Group Chairman Ahsan Khan Chowdhury and representatives of BAPA and REEMS were also present.

After inaugurating the three-day international expo, the food minister visited different stalls at the fair.