Sell essentials in open market to rein in prices

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi yesterday asked Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) to take immediate measures to sell daily essentials including onion, sugar and garlic in open markets in order to keep prices within the limit of people.

The minister came up with the instant instruction at a review meeting on supply and prices of essential commodities with businessmen at his ministry’s conference room.

The meeting was held with an aim to keep prices of essentials within the limit ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Concerned officials from TCB, Tariff Commission, police, Rapid Action Battalion, FBCCI, wholesalers, among others, attended the programme.

At the meeting, Md Mofizul Islam, senior secretary to the commerce ministry, gave several directions including keeping the land ports open for extra one to two hours so that more goods-laden trucks can enter the country. He also requested wholesalers not to make excess profit ahead of Eid. “In return, we will make sure that you are benefited afterwards,” he added.

“The production and supply systems have been hampered due to flood, while India withdrew 10 percent subsidy on onion which pushed its price up slightly. Prices of other commodities remained stable,” he said.

The commerce minister asked TCB to strengthen its monitoring and marketing systems. He said businessmen have the responsibility to keep the market stable for people. The meeting advised trucks and trawlers carrying sacrificial animals to display the name of cattle markets or destination to avoid hassle.