Dhaka, Nov. 20 -- The government aims to complete the bulk of its seasonal procurement of Aman rice well ahead of the national election scheduled for mid-February, Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar said on Thursday.

He made the remarks following the official inauguration of the Aman rice collection drive.

Speaking to reporters at his office in the Ministry of Food, Majumdar said the drive will continue until February 28, but noted that district- and upazila-level food officials will be heavily involved in election duties by mid-February. "Keeping this in mind, instructions have been given to all concerned to meet the collection targets before mid-February. No laxity will be acceptable," he added.

Majumdar mentioned that the government wan...