All measures to ensure stable commodity market: Minister
Commerce Minister Faruk Khan has reiterated government's firmness to take all measures to make the essential commodity market stable during Ramadan.
“We are trying hard to ensure a balance between local demand and supply of essential commodities, including edible oil, in Ramadan,” he told a food carnival in Dhaka yesterday.
Bangladesh Edible Oil Ltd organised the two-day fair, Rupchanda Food Carnival, at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center.
The minister also spelt out a plan to raise salaries of government employees so that it helps them cope with the rising cost of living.
“A pay hike for government employees will shortly be announnced. I hope it will enhance their purchasing capacity,” he said.
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will properly be utilized to contain the prices of essentials in the local market, Khan added.
While speaking at the programme, Abdul Hafiz Choudhury, president of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), urged the government to beef up market monitoring to make it sure that traders cannot create any artificial crisis of essentials in Ramadan.
He also advised traders not to go for profiteering during the holy month. “ If price hike continues, people's sufferings mount,” the metropolitan chamber chief reminded them.
Lee Peng Kwang, general manager of Bangladesh Edible Oil Ltd, said his company would import additional 700 tonnes of edible oil to meet the local demand in Ramadan.
A total of 18 food and beverage companies are participating in 25 stalls at the fair.
Cooking competition and musical show are other features of the event, open from 10am to 8pm.
Siddika Kabir, eminent nutritionist was also present at the inaugural ceremony.
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