Bangladesh now self-sufficient in food: Adviser Ali Imam

Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in rice production, Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder said today.

"Before the interim government took office, there were concerns about whether Bangladesh could meet its food needs. The country requires around 30 lakh tonnes of rice, and we are now able to produce that domestically," he said at an exchange meeting on food storage and distribution held at the Karnaphuli Hydropower Plant's conference room in Rangamati's Kaptai upazila.

While rice production is sufficient, he pointed out that the country still depends heavily on wheat imports.

"Wheat flour is becoming more common in people's breakfast diets. But Bangladesh produces only 10 lakh tonnes of wheat annually and has to import around 60 lakh tonnes more to meet the demand," he said.

The adviser noted that the paddy harvest has been strong this season, particularly in Rajshahi, Brahmanbaria, parts of Chattogram, and the northern region.

"No food shortages are expected in the near future," he said, adding, "Our interim government has taken extensive steps to ensure food security and proper storage across the country."

The meeting was chaired by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Habib Ullah.

After the discussion, the adviser visited the Kaptai Food Warehouse located at the hydropower plant.