50,000 MT of Indian onions: Bangladesh heaves sigh of relief
Staff Reporter :
In a move aimed at addressing the ongoing onion crisis in the country, State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu announced on Friday that 50,000 metric tonnes (MTs) of onions from India are set to enter the country’s market imminently.
Speaking as the chief guest at a programme commemorating ‘World Consumer Rights Day-2024’ at the ‘Osmani Memorial Auditorium’ in the capital city, Titu revealed that the first truckload of onions would arrive from India within the next week, with the total consignment to be gradually distributed across the nation.
“The first truckload of onions will arrive from India next week. A total of 50 thousand MTs of onion will come to the country gradually,” stated Titu.
The theme of the day, ‘Smart Bangladesh Gori, Voktar Sarthey Krittim Buddhimotta Bebohar Kori’ emphasizes the importance of utilizing technological advancements for consumer welfare.
Accompanied by dignitaries including Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh and Senior Vice President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Md. Amin Helaly, Titu urged business entities and civil society representatives to collaborate in controlling product prices.
“We are working to strengthen the supply chain. We are working to control the prices of products during Ramadan. We have been able to reduce the price of oil. Now, pulses, chickpeas, and sugar are available in the market,” asserted Titu. Titu highlighted governmental initiatives to bolster the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing, empowering it to regulate retail and wholesale prices. Moreover, he disclosed that the state-owned Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is distributing daily essentials at subsidized rates to one crore low-income families nationwide, benefiting approximately four crore individuals.
The minister further underscored the contribution of traders and companies selling products at mill gate prices, offering significant relief to consumers amid economic challenges.
Amidst the announcements, Titu inaugurated the ‘Supply Chain Monitoring System (SCMS) software,’ a technological advancement geared towards enhancing monitoring and management within supply chains.