Amid the ongoing civil war in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, concerns are rising over a potential food crisis in the region. Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder has instructed law enforcement agencies, including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), to remain vigilant and take strict measures to prevent food grain smuggling from Bangladesh.
The directive was issued during a meeting on strengthening anti-smuggling measures held at Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner’s office on Thursday (February 13) at 11:30 AM.
Later, in a press briefing at 1:00 PM, the food advisor stated, “Food shortages could increase the risk of smuggling from Bangladesh. There has already been a long-standing issue of smuggling fertilizer and fuel. Therefore, surveillance will continue, and if needed, further enforcement will be implemented to prevent any illegal cross-border trade.”
Regarding Bangladesh’s current food stock and import situation, Majumder assured that the supply remains stable. He added, “Unless a major natural disaster occurs, the slight rice shortage we have seen will ease soon, and prices will remain at a reasonable level.”
With Ramadan approaching, the government is making food prices affordable. He announced that 50 lakh families will receive 30 kg of rice at Tk 15 per kg, while one crore families will receive 1 lakh metric tons of rice as an Eid gift under the government’s food-friendly program.
The meeting was chaired by Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Salahuddin, who also serves as the President of the District Anti-Smuggling Committee. Senior officials from the Army, BGB, RAB, Police, and the district administration were present.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
