DHAKA, Feb 1, 2023 (BSS) - The National Food Safety Day will be observed in a befitting manner for the sixth time tomorrow across the country with a vow to ensure safe food for all.

 
This year's theme of the day is 'Safe food, Prosperous Nation, The key to Building a Smart Bangladesh' or 'Nirapod Khaddo, Sommriddhoh Jati, Smart Bangladesh Gorar Chabi-kathi'.
 
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion, wishing all concerned a success in overall programmes taken on this occasion.

In his message, the President said there is no substitute for safe and nutritious food to ensure public health as eating unsafe food can lead to serious health risks including cancer, kidney disease and disability.

Therefore, it is very important to ensure proper implementation of the law and speed up public awareness activities on safe food in coordination with all concerned agencies, he said.

Bangladesh Food Safety Authority has been conducting activities in coordination with all the concerned organizations by making 13 regulations related to safe food and conducting regular food monitoring campaigns, he added.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated her government's commitment to safeguard the health of the people.
 
"The greatest Bengali of all time, Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman presented us with a constitution following the War of Liberation, in which he emphasized the basic issues such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education. He gave the most importance to food in there," the premier added.

To increase food production, the Father of the Nation undertook significant activities aimed at establishing agricultural research institutes and expanding agricultural technology in this country, which is still playing a significant role in securing the country's agricultural production, food and nutrition, she said.
 
Following the footsteps of the Father of the Nation, the Awami League-led government has been working relentlessly to achieve food security for all as well as ensure safe food supply for the people, she said.

Access to safe food is a constitutional right of people, she said, adding that to fulfill this right of people, the present government has enacted the Food Safety Act-2013 and has made relevant laws and regulations including the establishment of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority.
 
"Our government is developing 100 Special Economic Zones across the country where special emphasis is being laid on the development of agro-processing industries," said Sheikh Hasina.

In the context of global warming and the Russia-Ukraine war, the possibility of a global food crisis has emerged, she mentioned.

In order to save Bangladesh from this situation, everyone should increase food production by bringing under cultivation the fallow lands, she added.

"I hope, through raising public awareness and practical role of stakeholders, we will be able to ensure safe food for all by ensuring highest standards in food production, import, processing and marketing, In sha'Allah," the premier continued.