“Your reports need to reflect the true development picture of the country while you present the challenges,” Tipu Munshi told the journalists at the “ERF Award Ceremony 2020” in the capital.

“We have around 8-9 lakh metric tonnes of deficit in onion cultivation and around 80-90% of that have to be met form India,” he added.

“But the country does not inform us before banning the export of onions. If they did so, we could have stored onions and would not have to face a crisis.”

Although imported onions are entering the country now, the traders cannot sell it below Tk55 per kg due to different costs, the minister said.

“Also, now the prices of onion and potato are higher in India compared to us. So farmers will have to step up the production volume.”

Tipu Munshi added: “Bangladesh performed well compared to its neighbours by taking the right steps during the first stage of the Covid-19 pandemic. To keep the wheel of the economy turning, the government gave incentive to the apparel sector.”

The Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) awarded 15 journalists this year in different categories.

Asia Foundation Country Representative Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj said they would continue to support ERF in future as the economic reporters contribute to the country’s development through their reports.

This year Jamal Uddin from Daily Ittefaq, Ismail Ali from Daily Share Biz; Sanaullah Sakib, Mohammad Jahangir Shah Kajol and Rajib Ahmed from Daily Prothom Alo, SM Hamid Uzzman from Daily Jugantor, Jasim Uddin Harun from The Financial Express, Altaf Masud from Desh Rupantor, and Jebunnessa Alo from The Business Standard received the award in the print category.

And SM Jubayer Alom of Somoy TV, Raju Ahmed of Gazi TV, Kaberi Moitro of Ekattor TV, Sushanto Sinha, Rimon Rahman and Alomgir Hossain of Jamuna TV received the award in the electronic category.

All the winners received cash, crest and certificate.