DHAKA: Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury on Wednesday said the government is providing subsidy for country’s needs despite the criticism of donor agencies.

The ruling Awami League made the assertion while addressing a workshop on ‘evidence-based policy option for food and nutrition security in Bangladesh’ at a city hotel on Wednesday.

She, as chief guest, attended the daylong workshop organized by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

Matia, however, said the foreigners who criticize Bangladesh also provide subsidy in their own country.

“We shall not pay heed to anyone regarding subsidy,” she added.

She also described the initiatives taken by the government to ensure food security.

Addressing the function, Food Minister Quamrul Islam said the country is now self-dependent on food.

He added: “Moreover, we are now exporting rice to many countries. Export process to Sri Lanka is underway.”

USAID Mission Director Janina Jaruzelski and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Director General Shenggen Fan attended the program as special guests.

BDST: 1340 HRS, OCT 01, 2014