Commodity prices, supply satisfactory, says Minister Muktadir

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today (23 February) said commodity prices and supply in the capital's markets remain satisfactory during Ramadan, warning that action will be taken against any irregularities.

The minister made the remarks after a surprise visit to Mohammadpur Town Hall Kitchen Market in the city, where he inspected shops and spoke to traders and consumers.

"The market situation during Ramadan is normal. If any deviation occurs, we will take action," he told reporters.

Mentioning that monitoring activities are ongoing, Muktadir said 10 teams from the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate are conducting daily drives, alongside three additional teams from the ministry. 

"If anyone tries to create chaos in the market, bypassing these monitoring teams, inform us, and we will take steps," he added.

Admitting that the prices of lemons and chickpeas had increased at the beginning of Ramadan, the minister said lemons that were selling at Tk60 per dozen a day before Ramadan had surged to Tk120, causing public dissatisfaction. 

"However, during today's visit, we found that lemon prices have come down to Tk50-60 per dozen depending on the variety," Muktadir commented.

Muktadir said controlling the market in a city of around 20 million people like Dhaka requires coordinated efforts and assured that the Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring the situation to prevent a handful of traders from manipulating the market.

He said import-based commodities remain stable and there is no shortage in products sold through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). "In fact, the prices of many items are Tk 10-15 lower this Ramadan compared to last year."

Responding to a question about recent obstruction and alleged threats against a magistrate during a consumer rights drive at Moulvibazar in the capital, the minister said a case has already been filed against the trader concerned.

"The law will take its own course. The purpose of market drives is not to harass traders but to send a message that they are under government surveillance," he said.

State Minister for Commerce Md Shariful Alam, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Director General of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate Farooq Ahmed and Additional Secretary of the ministry IIT Shibir Bicitro Barua were present during the visit.

Later, the minister also inspected the capital's largest wholesale kitchen market at Karwan Bazar and exchanged views with traders and buyers about the overall market situation.