The New Nation - Internet Edition

NB, Narayanganj

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Thursday said political or nonpolitical government is not a mater to reckon regarding the current situation as temporary food shortages have taken place at different times at home and abroad. He struck a note of optimism that if all, including political parties, people of different professions, elite and business community, carry out united efforts, the difficult time the country facing for food-price hike would be over soon.

The head of nonpolitical caretaker government made the remarks when asked if a political government could control price of commodities while he was talking to journalists at the Government Tolaram College crossing in Narayanganj after visiting some open Market Sale (OMS) outlets rationing rice in the district.

He noted that there had been food problem in many countries of the world having elected governments in power.

Mentioning the objective of the visit to OMS centres, he said he came to see how the dealers going on with the sale of rice at cut-down price under a government-sponsored countrywide marketing drive. The CA said he noticed two things - inadequate supply of rice to the centres and lack of efficiency in the management of rice selling. And he informed that they would take decision in this regard shortly. He also said decision to increase the outlets of OMS would be taken On Thursday.

Announcing a further step in the light of his firsthand view of the marketing operation, he further said that the amount of OMS rice would also be increased to some extent, as it was also increased last month.

The Chief Adviser said the government is carrying out efforts to increase supply of rice and efficiency in selling rice so that sufferings of people who come to buy rice are reduced. "The main objective of the government is to supply rice as much as possible before arrival of boro paddy through VGF, VGD, and KABIKHA in rural areas and through OMS in urban areas."

He said food assistance is being provided through about 45 lakh VGF and VGD cards across the country, which covers almost 1.5 crore to 1.8 core people if one family comprises three or four members.

Replying to a question he reiterated that the government would increase allocation for agriculture sector and for employment generation in the next budget. Short-and mid-term steps would be taken to boost production of cereals.

He further said special project for employment generation in public sector would be taken to create an employment-support system as, sometimes, employment opportunity decreases.

On today's Narayanganj tour to see the situation, the Chief Adviser first visited Siddhirganj Pool area OMS centre followed by New Hajiganj and finally at the OMS centre at the Tolaram College crossing in Chashara.

He talked to men, women and children in the queue for buying rice to know about the OMS, their problem, when they came to buy rice and other socioeconomic affairs through direct interaction. Under the open sale, 5kg rice is being sold to a family at Tk 25 per kilo. Dealers are selling the rice in OMS under the control of the Food Department.

On Wednesday, the Chief Adviser visited some BDR fair- price shops in the capital city to know the public impact about the government's steps to provide income support to fixed-income and low-income groups of people.