UNB, Dhaka :
Rights activists at a rally here on Thursday stressed that there should be a law in the country ensuring people’s right to food.
They said since access to food is yet to be recognied as a right, the state is not bound to ensure food for its all citizens; and the state will have to take the responsibility to feed its all people if a law is put in place in this regard.
The Secretariat of South Asia Right To Food (SARF) Conference 2014 arranged the rally at Central Shahid Minar and then brought out a procession in the capital, marking the World Food Day.
Speaking on the occasion, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor and co-chair of SARF Conference 2014 Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique said Bangladesh like other South Asian nations should give more emphasis on food security.
“The present government has achieved a marked progress in food production for its farmers-friendly policy. The government should give emphasis on food distribution along with food production,” he said.
Convener of Anti Poverty Platform (APP) Mohsin Ali said Bangladesh as a developing country must ensure everyone’s access to food.
He urged the government to take immediate steps for formulating a right to food law and strengthening social safety net progammes on the basis of rights.
Mohsin Ali also stressed the need for keeping the food price within the affordability of all ensuring safe food-free from chemical and adulteration.
Representatives from NGOs and civil society took part in the rally.
