Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has underscored the importance of valuing food producers—farmers, peasants, and fishermen—who preserve and sustain culinary heritage. “Food should not remain only a matter of corporate interest. It must also uplift the status of those who produce it and celebrate the culture that continuously evolves around it,” she said.
The Environment Adviser made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the event titled “Uniting Asia Through Food, Tourism, Trade and Culture,” organised as part of the Taste Asia Festival Roadshow, held on Tuesday evening at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.
Highlighting the unifying power of food, Rizwana Hasan observed, “It is very important for Asian countries to exchange culture and traditions, as this creates a stronger bond within the region. Food is not only a form of recreation, but also a vital part of our heritage. In this era of globalization, Asian cuisines—such as Indonesian, Filipino, Malaysian, and Chinese—are increasingly popular worldwide. Bangladeshi food, too, has great potential to reach global consumers and build a strong brand identity.”
She praised the organisers for bringing Asian nations together through culinary traditions, noting that while Asian cuisines share certain similarities, their diversity is what makes them unique and worth celebrating. She further added that food has the extraordinary ability to unite people, encourage dialogue, and strengthen solidarity across borders.
The event was attended by Nina P. Cainglet, Ambassador of the Philippines to Bangladesh; Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; and celebrity chef Tommy Miah, MBE, among others.
