Govt prioritising food security and road infrastructure, says food minister

Photo: collected

Food Minister Afroza Khanam said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was prioritising food security through subsidised rice and flour sales and improving the country's road infrastructure.

She made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while inaugurating the Open Market Sale (OMS) programme in Manikganj Sadar Municipality and launching road development and maintenance projects worth Tk 9.11 crore.

The minister said government funds belonged to the people and urged citizens to monitor the quality and sustainability of development projects.

She called on residents to inform the relevant authorities of any irregularities or concerns regarding the quality of construction work.

"Development work must not only be completed, but it must also be ensured that it is sustainable and aligned with public interest, so that general people can reap the benefits of these activities," she said.

Under the OMS programme, rice and flour will be sold at subsidised prices at five designated locations in Manikganj town to help low-income households access essential food items at affordable rates.

The minister also inaugurated development and maintenance work on three roads in Manikganj Sadar Upazila.

The projects include a 3.4-kilometre section of the Betila-Mitra Dhaleshwari Bridge road via Mokimpur GPS and J K High School, at a cost of Tk 5.25 crore.

Another project covers a 1.4-kilometre road from Pubail Union Parishad to Syedpur Ferry Ghat, costing Tk 2 crore.

The third involves a 1.45-kilometre road from Bengroi Ismail's house to Makai Ghoshbari, with an allocation of Tk 1.86 crore.

The three projects involve a total investment of Tk 9.11 crore and are expected to improve local connectivity, facilitate agricultural transportation and support business and economic activities.

Earlier in the morning, Afroza Khanam inaugurated National Youth Day by hoisting the national flag at the District Office of the Department of Youth Development in Joka, Ghior Upazila.

She later joined a rally and visited stalls set up by young entrepreneurs, where she discussed their businesses and products.

Addressing a discussion meeting as the chief guest, the minister described young people as the country's greatest strength and said their skills, creativity and productivity could play a vital role in building a prosperous Bangladesh.

She urged young people to develop their skills through training and practical experience rather than waste valuable time.

The government was working to expand employment and self-employment opportunities for young people, including providing loans and grants to support entrepreneurship, she said.

She encouraged young people to use these opportunities to establish businesses and create jobs for others.

The minister also stressed the importance of using artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology for productive and creative purposes. She urged young people to pursue sustainable success through honesty, patience and perseverance rather than dishonest shortcuts.

She also called for highlighting the talent, creativity and innovative initiatives of young people in Manikganj at the national level.

The event was chaired by Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Najmun Ara Sultana. Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sarwar Alam and Civil Surgeon Dr Ivy attended as special guests.

Dr Md Shahidul Islam, deputy director of the Department of Youth Development in Manikganj, delivered the welcome address.

Officials from the district administration, police and other government departments, along with youth entrepreneurs, trainees, journalists and local dignitaries, attended the programmes.