No price hike of essentials during Ramadan: Minister

The traders must ensure fair prices of food and other essential commodities during the coming Ramadan, says the commerce minister, reports BSS.

At a review meeting on essential commodities for the holy month of Ramadan in the city on Wednesday, Tipu Munshi also said there is no shortage of the items of day to day necessities. Supply and stocks of those goods are normal, he said.

"Supply and stock of essential commodities are normal and there is no shortage . . . so, no price hike in Ramadan," he asserted.

Speaking at his Secretariat office, the commerce minister stated there is no problem in supply chain, and that is why there is no logical scope of price hike.

"The traders have to set instances playing responsible roles in the upcoming Ramadan," said Tipu seeking cooperation from the business people.

He also cautioned that the law enforcement agencies will take stern actions if anyone tries to hike price of essential commodities artificially.

Commerce Secretary Md Mofizul Islam, Bangladesh Tariff Commission Chairman Jyotirmay Dutta, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Md Shafiul Islam Mahiuddin, TCB Chairman Brig Gen Jahangir, Director General of the Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection Md Shafikul Islam Laskar, City Group Chairman Fazlur Rahman, Meghna Group Chairman Mustafa Kamal and representatives of National Board of Revenue (NBR), agriculture ministry, industries ministry, police and leaders of bazaar committees were present, among others.