The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

BDR Director General Maj Gen Shakil Ahmed yesterday urged the business leaders to import more and make profit less as a measure to help contain the spiraling prices.

"Though the food prices are high on the international market, but the prices in Bangladesh much higher compared to that. It cannot be allowed to go. But we don't want to interfere, you should take immediate steps in this regard," he told the business leaders.

The BDR DG was exchanging views with the importers and leaders of various business forums at Moulvibazar Business Association office in old Dhaka.

Director general of RAB Hasan Mahmud, Dhaka zone operation officer of Army Col Mujibul Haq, Badamtali Rice Traders' Association secretary Haji Nizamuddin, Chwakbazar Pulse Traders' Association president Shafiqul Islam, Edible Oil Importers' Association secretary Abul Hsahem and Sugar Importers' Association president Ali Asgar Kamal, among others, attended the meeting chaired by Dhaka Moulavibazar Business Association president Abur Razzak.

Assuring the businessmen of providing all possible help for import, storage and marketing their goods, Maj Gen Shakil urged the business community to do business in a manner so that the common people do not suffer for unusual price hike.

In response, the business leaders called for formulating a specific policy for import, export, storage and marketing so that they can do their business without harassment.

The businessmen attributed the soaring prices of essentials to the price hike of goods on the international market, short supply of food and sharp fall in production in Bangladesh due to two consecutive floods and Cyclone Sidr.

They said the government can also import goods through TCB apart from the private importers to cool down the overheated the market.