Food Minister: Godown syndicate to be broken to ensure food program benefits reach actual beneficiaries

On Sunday (August 30) afternoon, she said these things to journalists after an unannounced visit to Beutha campus of Sadar LSD in Manikganj Sadar upazila and Saturia LSD in Saturia upazila.

The food minister said, “We are working to break the godown syndicate. It will be ensured that the actual beneficiaries receive the actual benefits of the government food program.”

She said a disaster situation could arise at any time. Therefore, necessary food stocks are being built up to deal with possible disasters.

During the visit, the food minister inspected on the spot the stocks of paddy, rice, wheat and flour stored in the godowns, the preservation system, and the quality of food grains. Besides, she talked to concerned officials about the overall management and safe preservation of the godowns.

Afroza Khanam Rita said ensuring whether there is adequate food stock in food godowns and whether the stored food grains are in a safe and standard condition is her first task. To this end, food godowns in various districts of the country will be inspected in phases.

Saying that the food godowns of Manikganj Sadar and Saturia have adequate food stock, she said the quality of the stored paddy, wheat and flour is satisfactory. Other districts of the country also have adequate food stock in the same way.

She further said that to quickly deliver food assistance to people in the event of a disaster or crisis, food stocks are being built up in every district according to demand. At present, every district of the country has adequate food stock and there is no food shortage of any kind.

The food minister also warned that if any irregularities, mismanagement or problems with the quality of food grains are found in food godowns, strict legal action will be taken against those concerned.

She said, “No one involved in irregularities in food godowns will be given any kind of concession.”

Referring to the recent legal action taken against those concerned after irregularities were found at Ghior upazila food godown in Manikganj, the food minister said no irregularities in food grain storage and management would be tolerated.

During the visit, officials of the district administration, the district food controller and concerned officials were present.