Food Stock Soars to Historic High, Govt Expands Aid Program

Food Advisor Ali Imam Majumder spoke at a view exchange meeting at the Manikganj District Circuit House today.

Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder announced that the country’s current food stock has reached a record high of 21.79 lakh tons, describing the situation as highly satisfactory.

He stressed that maintaining a minimum safe stock of around 13.5 lakh tons is essential. Considering food security and potential risks, the government has taken advance measures to ensure stability.

Majumder made these remarks at a view exchange meeting held yesterday at the Manikganj District Circuit House, organised by the Manikganj District Administration and the Department of Food.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Manwar Hossein Malla presided over the event.

The Food Adviser said the government’s food-friendly programme will begin on August 17 this year with expanded coverage. The number of beneficiaries will increase by 5 lakh, bringing the total to 55 lakh households.

Each beneficiary will receive 30 kilograms of rice per month at a subsidised rate of Tk 15 per kilogram.

This year, the programme will run for six months, up from five months last year. It will operate for four months initially—from August to November—pause during December and January, then resume in February and March.

Around 10 lakh tons of rice will be distributed under the programme this year, Majumder added.

He also emphasized that no irregularities will be tolerated in implementing the food-friendly programmes, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in misconduct.

Md Abdul Hasanat, Director General of the Directorate of Food, and Suraiya Khatun, Regional Food Controller of Dhaka Division, attended the programme as special guests.