Chattagram Bureau :
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi made the remarks at the inaugural function of ‘Bangabandhu Memorial Gallery and Bangabandhu Corner’ at the Bangladesh Tea Board’s head office in Chattogram on Thursday afternoon.
The commerce minister said 90% of the demand for oil in Bangladesh depends on imports. International oil prices have increased by 67%. The National Committee meeting had to raise the price of oil considering the market although the consumers would suffer. Even then, we are trying to give subsidised oil to the common people through TCB.
Tipu Munshi said the government will work like every year to control the prices of consumer goods including onion, edible oil, sugar, molasses and dates during the Ramadan. There are huge stocks through traders and TCB. Arrangements will be made to sell products at lower prices through TCB like every year during Ramadan. Traders have assured that the prices of consumer goods will be kept at a reasonable level during the Ramadan.
Responding to a question from reporters about the difference in rice prices in the retail market, Tipu Munshi said the issue of rice is overseen by the food ministry. The government is importing rice to increase the supply. The price of rice is also higher in the international market. Rice prices will come down in April.
Inaugurating the Bangabandhu Memorial Gallery, the commerce minister said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the first Bengali to join the Tea Board as chairman on June 4, 1958. The day of his joining the Tea Board was declared as Tea Day.
Tea Board Chairman Major General Mohammad Zahirul Islam presided over the ceremony while Secretary to Commerce Ministry Md Zafar Uddin was the special guest.
Md Zafar Uddin said there was an excellent presentation at Bangabandhu Gallery.
Among others, the event was also attended by Additional Secretary to Commerce Ministry Hafizur Rahman, Tea Board members Mohammad Nurul Alam Chowdhury and Nazneen Kauser Chowdhury, and Joint Secretary to Commerce Ministry Abdur Rahim Khan.
At the event, the commerce minister also exchanged views with the tea industry partners.
