The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Speakers at a seminar here on Wednesday underscored the need for strengthening regional cooperation in mobilising collective resources to ensure food security in South Asia.

They said the policy level mindset of the biggest neighbour needs to be changed to help Bangladesh get due share of water under treaties and grow more food to negate hunger.

The observations came at a seminar on 'Food Security and Water Issues in South Asia', organised jointly by Imagine a New South Asia (INSA) and Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad (BUP) in cooperation with ActionAid Bangladesh at CIRDAP auditorium here.

INSA Regional Steering Committee Chairperson Dr Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed chaired the programme, while Justice Mohammad Habibur Rahman attended it as the chief guest.

Adviser for Women and Child Affairs Rasheda K Chowdhury, former Education Minister Dr Osman Farruk, Awami League leader Begum Motiya Chowdhury and Workers Party leader Rashed Knan Menon spoke as special guests.

Mashfiqus Salehin presented a keynote paper on 'Regional Implications of Water Resources Management Intervention in South Asia', while Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri presented another paper on Regional Food Security: Way Forward' in the seminar.

Justice Habibur Rahmnan said Bangladesh was passing through a hard time due to price hike of essentials at national and international markets.