Safe food a democratic right: Barua

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FE Report Industries Minister Dilip Barua Saturday said a social movement would have to be launched across the country for safe food as it is a democratic and inborn right of the human being. He was addressing as the chief guest the inaugural programme of a new platform - Bangladesh Food Safety Network (BFSN) - formed to campaign for food security at the LGED auditorium in the city. A fair titled Safe Food Festival was also inaugurated there. The minister said the food safety network would be a revolutionary milestone in Bangladesh. He expressed hope that the network would expand to the rural areas to ensure food security. Former adviser to the caretaker government Dr Akbar Ali Khan, FAO representative in Bangladesh Dominique Burgeon, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) president Kazi Faruque and Mohidul Haque Khan of BFSN and Sakiul Morshed Millat also spoke on the occasion. Unnayan Bikolper Nitinirdharani Gabeshona (UBINIG) executive director Farida Akhter moderated the function. The network was established in association with the Bangladesh chapter of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the network is a joint endeavour of four non-government organisations - CAB, UBINIG, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon and BSAFE Foundation. Speaking on the occasion Barua said people are dying prematurely nowadays for the lack of food security and various health complexities. He said, "We never thought of a movement for safe food. But a social movement has now become essential with rapid modernisation and rampant use of chemicals in production and the post-production process of food." The industries minister alleged that those engaged in food adulteration mostly come from the affluent section and they cause irreparable harm to the society in the guise of gentlemen. Dr Akbar Ali Khan said the government has to form a strong legal structure for food security besides initiating a social and democratic movement. He said food adulteration has spread out all over the country and the government will have to take stern action against those involved in the menace. He said the government alone cannot solve the problem and participation of grassroots people is very important in this movement. Dominique Burgeon said food safety is a major element of food security and urged all to play their due role to ensure safe food for all. He said FAO is supporting Bangladesh in the food safety network and wished it every success. Earlier, folk singer Aleya Begum and her group performed two songs giving a clear message on the urgency of safe food for all. Representatives from over 50 districts and school students participated in the fair.