There should be no such word as 'syndicate': Food Minister

Food Minister Afroza Khanam has said that the government wants to eliminate the influence of 'syndicates' in the food market as such practices ultimately harm consumers. 

“No government likes syndicates. We also want there to be no such word as ‘syndicate’ because their existence causes suffering for ordinary people,” she told reporters after inspecting government food storage facilities and installations in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj.

The minister said ensuring safe food reaches consumers remained the government’s top priority.

“Following the prime minister’s instructions, the Food Ministry is working towards that goal.''

The ministry is regularly monitoring market conditions, food stocks and supply chains, she said, adding that no major problems had been encountered so far.

“We are taking necessary measures so that any problem can be resolved quickly in the future.''

Asked about the launch of a project to produce nutritious rice, the minister said no specific date had yet been fixed.

“We are here today and will discuss the matter with the concerned officials. We will try to launch the project as soon as possible,” she said.

The minister began her inspection programme at around 10AM at the government’s modern flour mill in Postogola, Dhaka.

She later arrived at the Narayanganj silo at around 1PM, where she inspected the silo and the Narayanganj Premix Kernel Mill located within the facility.

During the inspection, Khanam discussed grain storage, storage capacity, mill operations and various aspects of food management with officials concerned.

She also reviewed the operations of the facilities and provided necessary instructions to officials.

Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Md Raihan Kabir, Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman, Narayanganj City Corporation Administrator Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan and officials from relevant departments were present during the inspection.