Dhaka: Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Monday assured that commodity prices and supply in the capital's markets are satisfactory during Ramadan, with a warning of action if any irregularities are discovered. The minister made these remarks following an unexpected visit to the Mohammadpur Town Hall Kitchen Market, where he engaged with traders and consumers to assess the situation.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Muktadir stated that the market situation is normal during Ramadan, and any deviations will prompt action. He emphasized ongoing monitoring efforts, with 10 teams from the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate conducting daily inspections, supported by three additional teams from the ministry. He urged the public to report any attempts to disrupt the market, promising swift action.
The minister acknowledged initial price hikes for lemons and chickpeas at the start of Ramadan, noting lemons had jumped from Tk 60 to Tk 120 per dozen, which caused public concern. However, he reported a price drop to Tk 50-60 per dozen during his visit, varying by variety.
Muktadir highlighted the challenge of managing the market in Dhaka, a city of approximately 20 million, and assured that the Commerce Ministry is actively monitoring to prevent market manipulation by traders. He noted that import-based commodities are stable and no shortages exist in products sold through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), with many items priced Tk 10-15 lower than last year.
Addressing an incident involving alleged threats against a magistrate during a consumer rights drive at Moulvibazar, the minister confirmed a case has been filed against the trader involved. He clarified that market drives aim to convey government oversight rather than harass traders.
The visit included State Minister for Commerce Md Shariful Alam, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Director General of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate Farooq Ahmed, and Additional Secretary IIT Shibir Bicitro Barua. The minister later visited the capital's largest wholesale kitchen market at Karwan Bazar to discuss the market situation with traders and buyers.