"The government has been trying its best to keep the prices of commodities stable and if the efforts fail, the law-enforcement agencies will interfere," he told the reporters during a visit to the Central Storage Depot (CSD) at Tejgaon in the capital.

The adviser, however, said that the government is not going for the move right now.

"Though the supply of the commodities in the market is adequate, there is still a tendency to hike the prices of essentials, which is unfortunate," Tapan said adding that the main goal of the government efforts is to keep the market under control and to make the commodities available to the people.

Tapan also said that the government has all kinds of preparations, including adequate collection of food, to face any kind of natural disaster.

"Over 3 lakh metric tons of rice has already been collected from the local markets and one lakh metric ton rice is on the way. If the weather remains fine, it is possible to achieve more than the target of collecting 12 lakh metric tons rice," the adviser observed.

Expressing satisfaction after visiting the CSD, he said that nearly 45 percent of the target rice collection has already been achieved. The rice collection that started on May is going on in full swing and will continue till August, he added.

"Besides, we have procured 8 lakh metric tons paddy and wheat for the next fiscal year and have already opened a letter of credit for importing another 2.5 lakh metric tons rice, so that we can face any kind of natural calamities," Tapan, also the power and energy adviser, observed.

He said that rumours have it that the country is facing food deficit and the supply of rice is stalled. "but you (journalists) see that the supply is proceeding and the quality of rice is also good." Tapan added.

"We have been keeping communication with the miller s all the time," he said.

Director General (DG) Mollah Wahiduzzaman and Additional Director General (ADG) Golam Sarwar were also present.