Strict action if artificial crisis of rice is created: Food secretary

Food Secretary M Ismail Hossain has said strict actions will be taken if the rice supply system in the market is disrupted or if anyone attempts to create an artificial shortage of rice.

During a meeting with leaders of auto rice mill owners from across the country today, he urged millers to remain vigilant against any attempts to create an artificial rice shortage.

The meeting, held at the meeting room of the Directorate General of Food, focused on ensuring a steady supply of rice in the market and addressing its pricing. During the session, Secretary M Ismail Hossain issued several key directives.

Recently, the price of various types of rice in the market has risen by Tk5 per kilogram in two phases. Mill owners and traders are blaming each other for creating supply shortages to drive up prices.

During the meeting, officials from the Ministry of Food, the Directorate General of Food, and rice mill owners made several important decisions. These included a commitment to refrain from illegally hoarding paddy, rice, and wheat without a proper food grain licence, and to take legal action against anyone found unlawfully stockpiling these commodities.

The Food Secretary emphasised that, as per the law, the type of rice, production date, and milling price must be clearly labelled on rice bags.

He also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in all activities of the food department, assuring that strict action will be taken against any instances of corruption.

Auto rice mill owners are urged to refrain from engaging in any unethical activities with field-level officials of the food department.

During the meeting, the mill owners pledged their full cooperation with the interim government to maintain rice price control, ensure a stable supply system, and carry out food management activities in a corruption-free manner.