Biz won't face hassle, says Dr Salehuddin

Finance and commerce adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said traders would do business without let or hindrance across the country.

He said this after a meeting on the situation of essential commodities held at commerce ministry.

"From now on, nobody will be able to do under-the-table business transactions. Traders can do business without hassle. But excessive profit can't be tolerated."

In reply to a query, Dr Saleh said: "We are not a political government. No compromise will be made with any syndicate."

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) will take necessary steps to open required LCs (letters of credit) to help boost the supply of essential commodities in the domestic market.

"LCs have not decreased at all. Some banks have difficulty issuing LCs. The central bank will take action to this end," continued the adviser.

Banks faced some problem due to dollar crunch. They could not open LCs as per traders' wish. It was taking time as the financial issue was involved, explained Dr Saleh.

Mostly private or privately owned firms/entities import items from other countries. They will not provide goods if they do not get money/price, according to him.

Replying to another query, Dr Saleh said items like fertiliser, pesticide, fuel and food were being imported without hindrance. The government was managing anyhow.

He said it would take time to address some issues. Required instruction has been issued to clear a food item-laden Russian ship.

The adviser said, "We have no agenda, neither political nor administrative. We have come for a short time. We have no grudge against or affection for anyone."

"We won't compromise with anyone in any issues during its lifetime," he added.

Referring to the recent flood situation, Dr Saleh said the whole of Bangladesh was not deluged. Flood occurred in a few places. "It is a natural calamity."

There is plenty of relief available, according to him.

"Dhaka-Chittagong road was closed due to floods. I told the NBR chairman that it won't be possible to unload goods at Chittagong port. For this, Pangaon port has been opened."

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