Govt to protect rights of salt farmers, mill owners: Industries secy

Md. Obaidur Rahman, Secretary of Ministry of Industries, has announced that the government will take all necessary initiatives to protect the rights and interests of marginal salt farmers and salt mill owners, aiming to achieve full self-sufficiency in domestic salt production. 

He made these remarks while addressing the annual review meeting with local salt mill owners, organized by District Administration and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), at Shaheed ATM Jafar Alam Conference Hall in Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Tuesday.

The meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. Abdul Mannan, with BSCIC Chairman Md. Saiful Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner Nizamuddin Ahmed, and other officials present. 

Senior government officials, representatives from BSCIC, salt mill owners and leaders of marginal salt farmers’ associations also attended the session.

Discussions at the meeting focused on current salt stock levels, setting fair prices for salt, the challenges faced by mill owners and marginal farmers and the overall prospects of salt industry in Bangladesh.

After the meeting, Secretary Obaidur Rahman emphasized that no edible salt import would be allowed under the pretext of industrial salt. 

The Ministry will take strict measures to prevent such practices, he warned.

He further stated that the government will review the proposals and opinions presented during the meeting and take necessary steps to determine fair prices for salt at field level. 

The Ministry also plans to establish a salt storage facility in Cox’s Bazar, subject to land availability.

Additionally, the Secretary mentioned that the government is aware of frequent road accidents caused by saltwater leakage from transport vehicles along the highways. 

Discussions will be held with relevant authorities to find effective preventive measures, he added.

SU/SH