Building a Modern Food Safety System in Bangladesh
At a recent national seminar titled "Modern Food Safety System in Bangladesh," organized by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder highlighted the critical role of skilled human resources and quality testing laboratories in establishing a modern and safe food system. The event brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, industry leaders, and international partners.
Majumder emphasized that without proper infrastructure and trained personnel, achieving food safety standards remains a challenge. He announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art food safety laboratory in Dhaka, supported by the government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This initiative is expected to significantly enhance Bangladesh's capacity to meet international food safety benchmarks.
Key Contributions and Collaborations
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shinichi Saida and JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Tomohide Ichiguchi attended the seminar as special guests, underscoring the strong bilateral relationship between Japan and Bangladesh. The ambassador noted Japan’s ongoing support for various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and agriculture, and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in the area of food safety.
The seminar also featured a keynote address by Manjur Morshed Ahmed, director of the Institute of Food Science and Technology under the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR). He discussed the importance of research serving public interest and the need for a science-based approach to food safety management.
Food Secretary Mohammad Masudul Hasan, who presided over the session, stressed the necessity of a comprehensive and modern food safety system. He pointed out that short-term solutions are insufficient and called for sustained efforts to build a robust framework. The BFSA, in collaboration with JICA, is working on the STIRC project to achieve this goal.
Expanding Infrastructure and Capabilities
Under the current caretaker government and with a loan agreement from Japan, plans are underway to establish a national reference laboratory for food safety in Dhaka. Additionally, an office complex and a specialized training center for food officials and industry stakeholders will be constructed. Division-level food safety labs and office buildings are also planned for Chattogram and Khulna, aiming to expand nationwide testing and enforcement activities.
Ambassador Saida highlighted Japan's shift from punitive inspections to a guidance-based system, emphasizing the importance of coordination among ministries and clear division of responsibilities. He also confirmed the signing of a loan agreement between Japan and Bangladesh to strengthen lab capabilities and noted ongoing technical cooperation in the sector.
Challenges and Future Directions
The seminar addressed the challenges faced by Bangladesh in the realm of food safety. Manjur Morshed Ahmed warned that unsafe food causes around 200 types of diseases, affecting approximately 1.6 million people globally each day. He stressed that without ensuring food safety, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty, hunger, and health will remain difficult.
Food Adviser Majumder also mentioned that the food situation in Bangladesh is satisfactory, but there is a need for continuous improvement in compliance with international standards to boost exports. He called for effective recruitment of skilled food inspectors and lab professionals to ensure the functionality of new facilities.
Conclusion
The seminar underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies, international partners, and the private sector in building a resilient food safety system. With the support of Japan and the commitment of local authorities, Bangladesh is taking significant steps toward a safer and more efficient food supply chain. The discussions and initiatives presented at the event reflect a collective effort to safeguard public health and enhance economic opportunities through improved food safety practices.
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