DHAKA, April 16, 2022 (BSS) - Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder today said that agricultural production has increased many times during the tenure of the present government.

 "Due to the farmer friendly policy of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, farmers' ability to produce paddy, fish, meat and vegetables has increased," he said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Golden Jubilee of Independence: Expectations and Achievements in Food Security and Consumer Protection" organized by Voluntary Consumers Training and Awareness Society at Dhaka University's Higher Science Research Center auditorium, said a press release.

 The minister said food should be safe everywhere from farmer's field to consumer's table. Food can become unsafe at any stage of this chain, that's why consumers need to be aware first, he added.

Presided over by Prof Hossain Uddin Shekhar, President of VOCTA, while Prof Mizanur Rahman, former Vice Chancellor of Jagannath University and Syed Ishtiaque Reza, chief executive officer of Global Television, addressed the programme as the special guests.

VOCTA executive director Md Khalilur Rahman Sajal delivered the welcome speech while Mohosinul Karim Lebu, director of VOCTA, presented the keynote paper.

 Besides, Prof Latiful Bari, chief scientist of CARS and M S Siddiqui, legal economist and advisor of Bangladesh Competition Commission, discussed the main essay.

The speakers said the country did not reach the desired goal in protecting consumer rights.

"This is because the traders in the markets are in a favourable position whereas the consumers are in a helpless and dark situation," said M Khalilur Rahman Sajal.