The government is getting more tactful to outwit dishonest businesses, engaged in profiteering, to ensure smooth supply of essential commodities, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said Tuesday regarding reported artificial market crisis.
Replying to a query over the short supply of edible oil on the market, he cited one instance of "dishonest" business practices. "Soybean oil is floating in feeder vessels at the outer anchorage of the port area. The issue has drawn our attention," he said.
The finance adviser said the ministry of commerce had been asked to look into the matter.
Mr Ahmed faced queries after having chaired two meetings of the Advisers' Council Committee on Economic Affairs and Government Purchase in the capital, as some industrial commodities remained out of affordability of the commoners while agricultural produce largely sell cheaper to some relief of consumers.
Asked whether the delay in goods delivery at Chattogram seaport was over, the adviser answered in the affirmative.
However, he said, the government could learn that businesses have not been taking delivery of commodities rather storing those in port area, to bag a windfall.
The adviser notes that businesses follow various techniques for profiteering.
Replying to a query on overall economic condition of the country, the adviser said nothing is there to be disappointed about the various aspects of the economy.
"I know very well what is happening. So, there is nothing to be disappointed," the custodian of exchequer under the interim government told the reporters.
On Bangladesh's graduation from the group of least-developed countries (LDC) next year Mr Ahmed said the government has been pursuing a Smooth Transition Strategy in this regard.
Many countries are looking forward to Bangladesh on LDC-graduation issue due to the good performance of the country though there are some flaws. "Even many countries are saying that if we can do that, then they will become encouraged."
To another query, Mr Ahmed said the recent statement made by Director of National Intelligence of the United States Tulsi Gabbard on Bangladesh would not make any impact on the country's economy and the bilateral relations.
The advisory-committee meetings approved procurement of 11 million litters of rice-bran oil and 10,000 tonnes of lentils for the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), 50,000 tonnes of non-aromatic rice for Food Directorate and two cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for Petrobangla.
A firm named M/S TotalEnergies Gas & Power Ltd, United Kingdom, will supply the two cargoes of LNG at Tk 6.94 billion and Tk 6.82 billion respectively under two purchase approvals.
Green oil & Poultry Feed Industries, Majumder Products Ltd, and Majumder Bran Oil Mills Ltd will supply 11 million litters of rice-bran oil to the TCB at a total price of Tk 1.78 billion, Cabinet Division officials say.
Under another all-clear, M/S Modina Trading Corporation and M/S Payel Traders will supply 5,000 tonnes of lentils each at a total price of Tk 942 million--each kilogram costing Tk 94.23.
The meeting also approved another proposal on the supply of 50,000 tonnes of non-aromatic boiled rice by M/S Pattabhi Agro Foods Private Ltd, India, for $21.47 million, with each tonne costing $429.55.
syful-islam@outlook.com
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