The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday said the Government is taking necessary steps for importing necessary commodities with a view to keeping their prices to a tolerable level during the holy month of Ramzan.

"We are reviewing each and every essential items present stock condition and the flow of import and initiatives are underway for swift import of perishable items from neighbouring countries," he said after meeting with the representatives of business community at the ministry.

He said a high-level committee headed by a joint secretary of Land Port Authority and representatives from Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Commerce Ministry would be formed soon. The committee would visit the land ports and submit their reports.

Besides, Commercial Councillor of Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata would coordinate smooth operation of land ports.

"We are monitoring overall activities of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) to help it import necessary items timely and efficiently," he said adding that apart from India the Government would also import more quantity of onion and red lentils (musur) from China and Myanmar.

Mentioning the high prices of edible oil Dr Hossain said the TCB would invite tender for importing 2,500 tonnes of soybean oil on Tuesday.

Replying to a question on why the price of soybean oil had not reduced even after the fall in international price, the adviser who is also in charge of Education Ministry said the government was constantly monitoring it and would take necessary steps for adjustment of soybean price.

We are also going to propose to the United States (US) Government through the External Resources Division (ERD) to supply soybean oil as 'food aid', he said.

On the issue of market syndicate Dr Zillur said " We would conduct necessary drive against market syndicate found real and authentic,".

He, however, admitted that it is a common phenomenon that when any commodity price starts to increase, it increases swiftly, but decreases slowly.

He said the demand of all necessary commodities usually increase 50 per cent during the month of Ramzan.

He emphasised on to increase the supply chain of all necessary items through encouraging producers to grow more vegetables so the prices of those could remain stale during the month of Ramzan.

He said the BDR fair price shops would sell essential items within affordable price to the limited income group of people during the month of fasting.

"We would also discuss with the authority of city corporations, importers and business organisation leaders to find out ways and means for introducing more fair price shops operated by them," he mentioned.

He said that Ansars and university students could give voluntary service in the fair price shops.

Secretary of concerned ministry and high officials from BDR and TCB were also present during the meeting.