The interim government has implemented an increase in VAT on certain goods to manage the shortfall in revenue, said Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder. He made this statement during a press briefing with journalists at the Madaripur Circuit House on Monday morning, 13 January.
He stated, "The government requires revenue and substantial subsidies. This money has to be sourced from somewhere, which is why VAT on some products has been increased. It will not cause significant inconvenience."
Highlighting the damage to Aman crops due to unexpected floods, Majumder mentioned the government's ongoing efforts to address the resulting food shortage.
He added, "Arrangements have been made to import food from abroad. If there is a good harvest in the future, especially a bumper yield of Boro rice, there will be no need to import rice from abroad. The interim government's primary responsibility is to import food and ensure its proper distribution across the country. Import activities will help stabilise the rice market."
Majumder further mentioned plans to enhance the Open Market Sale (OMS) programme.
"Each upazila has already received 2 tons of rice. Under the food-friendly programme, 5 million beneficiaries will receive 30 kg of rice at just Tk15 per kg for the next two months."
In response to questions regarding corruption within the Ministry of Food, Majumder acknowledged some irregularities, which are currently under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
"This investigation will continue in the future," he assured.
The briefing was attended by the Madaripur Deputy Commissioner Yasmin Akhtar, Superintendent of Police Saifuzzaman, and the Deputy Director of the Local Government Department, Habibul Alam, among others.
