B Mirror Report:  The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the country’s top trade organization, held a consultation meeting with traders and stakeholders to discuss the import, stock, and price situation of essential commodities ahead of the upcoming Ramadan.

The meeting took place on Monday (February 9) at the FBCCI office in Motijheel and was chaired by FBCCI Administrator Abdur Rahim Khan.

Retail and wholesale market leaders who attended the session said that sufficient stocks of edible oil, sugar, onions, lentils, and other essential items are available in the country. They noted that if supply remains normal, there is no likelihood of price increases during this year’s Ramadan. However, to maintain market stability, they urged authorities to take strict measures at various stages of the supply chain to prevent extortion. They also appealed to general consumers not to create extra demand by purchasing more than necessary.

At the same time, traders requested the Ministry of Commerce and FBCCI to ensure that retail businesses are not harassed under the pretext of market monitoring during Ramadan. They emphasized that market instability cannot be caused by small traders alone and called on importers and corporate entities to maintain steady supplies of essential commodities.

Abul Hashem, President of the Bangladesh Sugar Traders Association, said that if mill owners provide proper supply, there will be no sugar shortage in the market. He added that sugar imports by corporate and government initiatives would allow traders to sell at competitive prices.

Golam Mawla, President of the Bangladesh Wholesale Edible Oil Traders Association, urged the government to increase oversight not only at the retail level but also among large industrial groups and importers to ensure price stability.

Taslim Shahriar, Deputy General Manager of Meghna Group of Industries, said the country has adequate stocks of edible oil and sugar to meet the extra demand during Ramadan. However, he warned that port clearance, transportation, and customs operations could face minor disruptions due to election-related holidays. He added that there are no other supply chain disruptions.

Meanwhile, leaders of the Fresh Market Merchants Association indicated that vegetables and other fresh products will remain accessible to consumers during Ramadan. They said that, except for lemons, prices of all fresh vegetables are currently normal.

At the start of the meeting, FBCCI Administrator Abdur Rahim Khan presented the current situation regarding demand, stock, supply, and prices of essential goods. He emphasized that this year’s Ramadan is particularly significant as it starts just a few days after the upcoming 13th national election. He called on business leaders and merchant organizations to act responsibly for the benefit of general consumers.

While traders expressed optimism about the market situation for essential goods this year, market analysts and Humayun Kabir Bhuiya, Secretary General of the Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB), voiced concerns. They noted the potential for an energy crisis this year, which could worsen during Ramadan. Additionally, with the national election scheduled shortly before Ramadan, the new government’s transition period may limit effective market monitoring, creating opportunities for unscrupulous individuals to exploit the situation.

Abdur Rahim Khan of FBCCI called on large industrial groups to ensure uninterrupted supply and urged authorities to ensure that market monitoring does not become a reason for traders’ harassment. He stated that all issues discussed at the meeting would be formally communicated to the relevant authorities.

Those present at the meeting included former FBCCI Director Giasuddin Chowdhury (Khokon), Khandakar Ruhul Amin, Abul Hashem, FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir, Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Abu Nayeem Md. Shahidullah of the FBCCI Safety Council, members of the FBCCI General Council, leaders of various merchant associations, and representatives from Bangladesh Bank, Ministry of Commerce, National Board of Revenue, Trade and Tariff Commission, Department of National Consumer Rights Protection, Competition Commission, TCB, Department of Agricultural Extension, Department of Agricultural Marketing, Department of Livestock, and various industrial groups.