United News of Bangladesh

Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Saturday stressed the need for building social awareness at every level to ensuring food safety, saying the uncontrolled use of harmful substances and antibiotics in food poses a severe threat to public health. “Coordinated efforts from both government and private organisations are essential to protect public health and ensure a sustainable food system,” the state minister said at the 8th National Scientific Conference on ‘Food Safety and Health’, organised by the Bangladesh Society for Safe Food (BSSF) in a city hotel. Themed ‘Ensuring Safe Food for a Sustainable Future’, the conference brought together researchers, scientists, and food safety experts from universities and institutions across the country. Highlighting the critical role of research, Tuku urged scientists to step up work on preserving biodiversity and natural resources. “Bangladesh was once known as the land of ‘Maach-e-Bhate Bangali’. We must take effective measures to boost fish production and protect aquatic biodiversity.” Acknowledging the scale of the challenge, he said feeding a large population safely remains difficult but the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to ensure a nutritious and sustainable food system for future generations. The state minister also raised concern over the drug menace, describing it as a major social crisis and called on families, communities, and the state to act together to protect the youth. BSSF President Professor Dr Md. Khaled Hossain presided over the conference. Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md. Shahzaman Khan and Bangladesh Food Safety Authority Chairman (Additional Charge) Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar attended as special guests. Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) President Moshiur Rahman was the guest of honour. Dr Md Monirul Islam, former Member Director (Fisheries) of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, presented the keynote paper.

Fuel reserves in Bangladesh have increased with the arrival of two fuel-laden ships, but the government will continue rationing supplies due to uncertainty surrounding the ongoing war, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said on Sunday. “Once these two ships deliver fuel, our reserves will increase further,” he said while speaking at a discussion programme at the Jatiya Press Club. The Uttaranchal Chhatra Forum arranged the event marking the 20th imprisonment day of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, recalling his arrest during the military-backed caretaker government in 2007. Preserve reserves, source alternative fuel: Top economists advise governor on Middle East crisis The minister said rising reserves do not mean fuel can be used in an uncontrolled manner. “We will continue rationing for as long as the war continues.” Explaining the need for rationing, Tuku said the duration of the war remains uncertain and the government wants to use the existing reserves carefully. “We do not know when the war will end. That is why we have asked people to use fuel sparingly and introduced rationing so that the reserves last longer. If we consume everything at once, the reserves will quickly run out. But if we manage consumption properly, we will be able to continue for a longer time,” he added. Power prices won’t go up Tuku also said rumours are being spread that the government may increase electricity and fuel prices due to the war. “I want to assure people that we are not increasing power prices for now,” he said. The minister urged people not to panic and stockpile fuel out of fear of a price hike. “There is no shortage of fuel, but rationing must continue. We do not know when the war will end, and people should understand that,” he added. No fuel shortage in country, two more shipments to arrive March 9: Energy Minister The minister also urged BNP leaders and activists, as well as the public, to remain vigilant so that fuel is not smuggled or sold on the black market. Referring to the condition of the power sector under the previous government, Tuku said the current administration inherited a fragile and debt-ridden system with outstanding dues of around Tk 76,000 crore. “Despite the challenges, we have managed to keep the system stable so far, and we hope it will remain stable in the future,” he said. The minister also said special instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman helped ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during Iftar,Tarawih and sehri in Ramadan over the past 20 days.