Dhaka: Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin today emphasized that the primary aim of the Ministry of Commerce is to protect consumers' rights across the country. 'Establishing consumer rights in the market will necessitate taking all necessary steps, regardless of whether those steps are perceived to be for or against any particular party. The ministry's central task is the simplification of local and international trade,' Bashir stated while addressing a view exchange meeting with edible oil Delivery Order (DO) traders at the Ministry of Commerce conference room.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was attended by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Faruk Ahmed, Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) Brigadier General Mohammad Faisal Azad, and representatives of the edible oil DO traders. Bashir acknowledged the traders' crucial role in maintaining the edible oil supply and requested their cooperation to ensure market stability.
He highlighted the shared identity of consumers between the ministry and the traders, underscoring a collective commitment to consumer welfare. Criticizing traditional methods of price control, Bashir noted that raids on sales centers have proven ineffective, advocating instead for a comprehensive approach that involves oversight of the entire supply chain. He pointed out that issues might originate from mill owners or DO traders, rather than small retailers.
Bashir dismissed the notion that small shopkeepers are responsible for market instability, characterizing media reports of oil recoveries as mere drama that garners public attention but fails to address the root causes. He reiterated the ministry's focus on identifying the true sources of disruption and preventing disorder in the edible oil market.
During the meeting, DO traders expressed concerns about delayed product deliveries from mill owners and called for a resolution to this issue.