B Mirror Desk: In order to protect the country’s demand-supply balance, measures should be taken in the liberal policy in the field of global trade. As a result India, Pakistan or China is not an issue for Bangladesh. We want to connect everyone in the field of trade.’, ‘The syndicate that is being talked about in the local market, now as a country (in terms of importing products) is a problem if there is a syndicate. Our relationship with other countries is commercial, not political.’ Says Sheikh Bashiruddin, Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce.
He said these things after inaugurating the sale of potatoes and other products under the initiative of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh-TCB at Karwan Bazaar in the capital on Wednesday.
Journalists want to know from the trade advisor whether there is any commercial tension with India in the current political context. In response, he said, ‘We have no tension in trade with India. Various products including rice, potatoes, eggs are being regularly imported from India.
He said, ‘In today’s market, the price inflation of daily commodities can be solved by improving the supply system. We are working day and night to improve delivery system. Meeting with those concerned with production, import and storage of products. We are working to ensure adequate stock of products, especially in view of the coming month of Ramadan. All concerned are quite sensitive about keeping product supply and prices stable. The Department of Consumer Protection has also stepped up its monitoring activities.
Sheikh Bashiruddin said, “We are aware of the suffering of common people regarding the price of goods. However, we are fully committed to reducing prices. The move so far has already brought relief to consumers on some products. If the supply of products in the market is increased, we hope that stability will come soon.
In response to the question of journalists whether to be strict against the syndicates in the market, the trade advisor said, “The syndicate that is being talked about may have a handful of people involved.” In this case the answer is only one, removing various barriers to trade and involving more people in such (commodity) business. I would also say to the businessmen, join these businesses in greater numbers and create more competitive systems.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Commerce, TCB products edible oil and lentils are being sold at subsidized prices among one crore beneficiary card holder families of low income. Besides, TCB products – oil, pulses and rice supplied by food department are being sold to common consumers at 50 places in Dhaka city and 20 places in Chittagong city by trucks at subsidized prices. With this program, TCB has started selling potatoes in Dhaka from Wednesday.
As a result, a buyer can buy a maximum of 2 liters of edible oil, 2 kg of lentils, 5 kg of rice and 3 kg of potatoes from TCB’s truck. Edible oil price per liter is 100 taka. Apart from this, customers can buy lentils for 60 taka, rice for 30 taka and potatoes for 40 taka per kg.
