No food supply shortage expected during Ramadan: Minister

Food Minister Afroza Khanam expressed optimism that adequate food stocks would prevent supply shortages during the upcoming Ramadan, while stressing the need for advance preparations to address rising demand, transportation costs and volatility in international markets.
She made the remarks while talking to journalists after inspecting Chattogram Jetty and the silo on Saturday.
The minister said the country had sufficient food stocks to meet domestic demand but stressed that food security also depended on proper storage, efficient management and timely distribution.
She urged officials concerned to coordinate efforts to ensure an uninterrupted supply of food commodities during Ramadan, prevent wastage and make the best use of public resources.
She called for practical plans based on regional demand, warehouse stocks and supply capacity, saying better coordination from procurement to storage and distribution would help reduce delays, transportation costs and food wastage.
The minister also stressed the need to assess potential demand, review progress in imports and domestic procurement, and resolve supply chain bottlenecks swiftly.
Referring to potential price pressures arising from international market volatility and fuel shortages, Afroza said the government was working to maintain regular food supplies while protecting consumers’ purchasing power and interests.

She called for stronger coordination among relevant agencies to resolve complications in food imports and ensure timely deliveries. She also highlighted the need for practical measures to address manpower shortages and administrative constraints in the food department.
During the inspection, the minister said officials had reviewed existing infrastructure, progress on ongoing projects and limitations in storage facilities. Necessary measures would be taken in coordination with the relevant departments and ministries to address the identified problems, she added.
She also emphasised regular warehouse maintenance, quality checks on stored food, proper functioning of equipment, renovation of long-unused facilities, accurate stock records, routine inspections and accountability.
The director general of the Directorate General of Food, food department officials and senior district administration officials were present during the inspections.

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