‘Essential commodity prices to come down’

Staff Reporter :
State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu has expressed confidence that the prices of daily commodities in the market will be reduced to a reasonable level. He outlined a plan for coordinated efforts among the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing, the Directorate of Consumer Affairs, the District Commissioner, and the Upazila Executive Officer to achieve this objective.
Titu made these remarks during a discussion programme held to commemorate the 104th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the TCB Bhaban in the capital on Sunday.
Explaining the strategy, the State Minister highlighted, “The Department of Agricultural Marketing has established prices for products, operating at district, upazila, and central levels. We will commence coordination as we monitor the market. Price determination is not immediate. Our duty is to oversee the market from the production stage to wholesale and then to retail.”
Emphasising the existing coordination in controlling product prices, Titu stated, “When decisions are made at a logical level, immediate implementation may not be feasible. Prior assessment is crucial. Although the law has long existed, its enforcement has been lacking. We will now synchronise efforts with the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing and the Directorate of Consumer Affairs at the UNO, DC level. We anticipate reaching a logical conclusion.”
Titu further remarked, “Wherever we go, we engage with market committees and traders, encouraging adherence to regulations. We are ensuring the correct pricing of products by addressing concerns and resolving issues. No stores are being arbitrarily closed or sealed. Those violating the law will face consequences. For example, maintaining receipts is mandatory when selling from wholesale to retail. Failure to comply will result in penalties.”
In an earlier address during the discussion programme marking Bangabandhu’s birth anniversary, the State Minister spoke as the chief guest. Present at the event were the senior secretary of the Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh, along with chief officers and employees from various departments under the ministry.