The government signed a deal on Wednesday with Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) for capacity building of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA).
BFSA and JICA signed the agreement for technical cooperation in a project to gear up the functions of BSFA.
Chairman of BFSA Md Abdul Kayowm Sarker and representative of JICA Yuho Hayakawa signed the agreement at Probashi Kallyan Bhaban at Eskaton in the capital.
As per the agreement, JICA will give technical assistance to BFSA in providing training to its officials, preparing time befitting guidelines and making strategic development roadmap from 2021-2026.
Besides, different reference labs will be set up, experts appointed, guidelines formulated and standard operating procedures or SOP will be done according to the deal.
Earlier, the government formed BFSA in 2015 following the enactment of Food Safety Act-2013.
Speaking on the occasion, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder said the government was trying to ensure safe food for all despite limited arable lands and density of population.
It was the government's firm conviction and one of the election pledges to ensure nutrition and safe food for all, he added.
He reiterated the government's zero tolerance stance against food adulteration and directed the officials concerned to keep vigil in this regard.
The minister underscored the need for proper training to the officials and capacity building of BFSA.
He lauded the role or cooperation of Japan and JICA in development of Bangladesh.
He thanked JICA for extending cooperation to BFSA in ensuring safe food for the people of Bangladesh.
The ambassador of Japan in Bangladesh Naoki Ito lauded the role of Bangladesh government in the economic development of the country.
He hoped that through the project (after signing of the agreement), BFSA will be able to ensure safe food for all.
He assured that JICA will continue its cooperation in the field of food safety.
Later, the minister inaugurated two outlets of Nababi Boj Restaurant and food safety monitoring Fars Restaurant in the capital.
Food secretary Dr Mosammat Nazmanara Khanum and additional secretary of the Economic Relations Division or ERD Dr Shahida Akter were present, among others.
