State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu announced on Wednesday that Bangladesh is poised to sign agreements with both Myanmar and India to import essential goods. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will act on behalf of the government in these agreements.

During a program organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat, Minister Titu stated, “We are set to finalize an agreement with India to import daily essentials to ensure a stable supply. Additionally, we are on the verge of signing a deal with Myanmar to import essential commodities and expand river transport communication. We aim to finalize this agreement by July.”

He noted that items such as onions, pulses, and other daily necessities could be imported from Myanmar. “Our primary goal is to provide some relief to the common people and keep the market stable. These steps are being taken to achieve that,” Titu explained.

The state minister also highlighted the opening of several land ports, emphasizing the importance of border haats (markets) in facilitating trade for people in remote border areas. “Alongside land ports, we have initiated border haats to enhance facilities for residents in those regions,” he said.

Addressing a question about the current prices of potatoes and onions—sold at Tk 70 and Tk 90-95 per kg respectively—Titu asserted that the prices are normal given the market conditions. “The price of any product depends on supply and demand. If we can ensure adequate supply, prices will naturally come down,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to consider market prices until a sufficient supply is established.

The program was administered by BSRF President Fasih Uddin Mahtab and its General Secretary Masudul Haque.