An online digital tracking system will be introduced to ensure transparency, accountability, and good governance in food grain collection, transportation, distribution, and storage.
The activities of online stock and market monitoring systems will be introduced soon. The food ministry is not lagging behind in honesty nor in technology.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder made the disclosure while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled ‘Online Food Stock and Market Monitoring System’ at CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The Minister said that the effectiveness of Digital Bangladesh has been evident during the Covid-19 period. The digital system has made it possible to easily deliver services to the public.
Addressing the project implementing agency, he said, “During the signing ceremony I directed the implementing agency to keep an eye on the quality of work and timeliness. I would like to repeat the same thing today, finish the work at the right time. We will not compromise on the quality of work.”
Sadhan Chandra Majumder told the officials of the food department that they have to fulfill their responsibilities with honesty and sincerity. In the digital age, they need to acquire skills by adapting to the latest technology. At the same time, there must be mental preparation to provide better services.
Director-General of the Department of Food Mohammad Shakhawat Hossain presided over the function while the Secretary of the Ministry of Food Moshammat Nazmanara Khanam also spoke on the occasion.
The food secretary said good governance is needed at all levels. Good governance is more important in food management. Good governance is hampered when there is a scarcity of food. Food security, therefore, ultimately plays the role of national security. This project will give impetus to the work of the Food Department.
Beximco Computers Ltd. Senior Advisor Samira Zuberi Himika and Director (Accounts and Finance) Department of Food Md. Mahmud Hasan were present among others. The day-long workshop was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Food and the Department, Regional Food Controllers, District and Upazila Food Controllers and representatives of the media.
Beximco Computers Ltd. Bangladesh, Bangladesh Export Import Company Ltd., Tech Mahindra Ltd. India and Tech Valley Networks Ltd. JV are working on the project. The contract value of the project is Tk 261.71 crore.
Once implemented, it will create a central database that will radically change the management of food grain collection, transportation, distribution and storage activities.
Under the project, a total of 2500 manpower will be made efficient through training. More than 1200 areas (CSD and LSD) will be connected through an optical fiber. The 28-month project will end in October next year.
