Govt signs deal to import food from five countriesPM directs import of food grains from more countries

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the food ministry to import additional food grains from more countries besides the usual ones in order to ensure food security in the country.

The PM provided the directive at a cabinet meeting held at her office on Monday.

Cabinet Secretary Khondker Anwarul Islam confirmed the development at a briefing held after the meeting.

Food is being imported from Russia, India, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

"At today's (Monday) meeting, the PM has told us to keep some other sources ready so that no complexities arise at the last moment," said the Cabinet Secretary.

Anwarul added that there is no problem in importing food from Russia.

"According to the Food Ministry, the country's current stock of food grains is more than 1.9 million tonnes. We're in a comfortable situation in terms of the speculated food crisis in November," added the Cabinet Secretary.