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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday directed authorities to intensify action against food adulteration and ordered the formation of a three-member high-level committee to identify key challenges and recommend effective solutions.
The directive came during a meeting at his Secretariat office with officials engaged in food safety, product quality control, anti-adulteration drives and mobile court operations, said Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla Sujon.
The committee will comprise Public Administration Adviser Ismail Zabiullah, State Minister for Public Administration Abdul Bari, and Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani.
During the meeting, officials from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), and city corporations outlined several operational challenges.
They highlighted the need for increased manpower at the district level, improved laboratory facilities, modern equipment for field operations, and enhanced legal authority for mobile courts.
Officials also raised concerns over security risks while taking action against influential individuals and organised syndicates involved in food adulteration and related offences.
The Prime Minister assured them that the government would address these issues and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
“Challenges will always exist, but we must move forward despite them. We cannot afford to remain inactive,” Sujon quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
Rahman noted that many countries once less developed than Bangladesh have made significant progress and stressed the importance of collective effort and accountability.
“If everyone works sincerely, progress is certainly possible. We must all act responsibly for the greater good of the country,” he said.
Emphasising public awareness, the Prime Minister cited the condition of Gulshan Lake, lamenting that waste is often dumped by educated citizens.
“Government action alone is not enough to bring change. Citizens must also act responsibly and demonstrate goodwill,” he added.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, BSTI Director General Kazi Imdadul Haque, and senior officials from relevant agencies.