DHAKA, May 7, 2020 (BSS) – Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque today urged the agriculture officials to work as the frontline fighters staying at workplaces amid the coronavirus situation to ensure required food supply to the people.
“We have to ensure required food supply, including paddy, wheat, corn, vegetables and fruits, to the people amid COVID-19 situation. So, all officials of the ministry should work as frontline fighters like doctors, nurses and law enforcement agencies,” he said.
The minister came up with the remarks at a virtual meeting on progress of annual development project (ADP) implementation from his office in the Secretariat here, said a press release.
Agriculture Secretary Md Nasiruzzaman and other officials concerned were present at the meeting.
Noting that the basic need of people during any natural disaster, including COVID-19, is food, Razzaque said, “We cannot keep the people hungry any way (during such situation)”.
Underscoring the need for implementing the development projects within the stipulated time after COVID-19 situation to avoid food deficiency and famine in the country, he urged the officials of all agencies and project directors to continue the implementation of the projects, maintaining health guidelines issued by the health ministry.
Quoting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as she said “Not to leave even an inch of land uncultivated”, the minister urged all to work relentlessly to avoid the possible food crisis due to the COVID-19.
Food production trend not only should be continued, but also intensified more to combat the catastrophe triggered by the coronavirus, Razzaque said.