Staff Reporter, Dhaka : Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that the government has taken initiatives to determine a fair price for salt in line with production costs to achieve self-sufficiency in the salt industry and protect the interests of local salt farmers.

The Minister shared this information while briefing journalists today at the Secretariat following a meeting on improving the living standards of salt farmers, chaired by the Prime Minister.

The Minister said that the Ministry of Agriculture is currently reviewing the production costs of salt farmers so that they receive a proper price for their hard work. The justification for imports is being verified by assessing the domestic demand for both industrial and edible salt. He stated that, upon the collection of accurate data and in accordance with the directives of the Prime Minister, decisions will be taken in such a manner that the country may achieve complete self-sufficiency in salt production, while ensuring that the farmers do not incur any losses.

In response to a question from journalists regarding the post-assembly election situation in West Bengal, India, and border tensions, the Home Minister said that the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) is on maximum alert at the border. He added that any change of government in an Indian state or internal administrative decisions (such as the construction of barbed-wire fences) are their internal matters.

The Minister clearly mentioned that Bangladesh maintains diplomatic relations with the Central Government of India based on sovereign equality. The change of political power in any specific state does not affect Bangladesh’s foreign policy or bilateral relations. The BGB remains constantly vigilant to prevent border infiltration and ensure that the law and order situation is not disrupted.

Regarding information spreading on social media about alleged atrocities against minorities following the elections in West Bengal and its potential impact, the Minister stated that in many cases, propaganda is being spread using old and misleading videos. So far, neither the Ministry of Home Affairs nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has any information regarding the authenticity of such incidents or any negative impact on Bangladesh. He urged the public not to be misled by such propaganda.