Controlling prices not ministry’s job

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Monday said the responsibility of controlling prices of all commodities does not fall under his ministry’s jurisdiction and the ministry has a little role over the prices of agro products, fish and meat.

The minister also came down heavily on those who sharply criticise the increase of prices of any commodity but remain silent when the prices come lower.

He also claimed that Bangladesh is in a much better position compared to the global market.

He made this comment while launching the second phase of nationwide TCB product sales in Ramadan and inaugurating a temporary TCB warehouse at Uttara in Dhaka.

Tipu Munshi said commodity prices have increased abnormally around the world and it has also affected Bangladesh. “Despite this, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordered to continue providing the poor people with essential commodities at low prices. Many countries, including the developed ones, are struggling to produce and supply food products. They are not giving customers more than a certain amount of products,” he said.

Commerce Ministry Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh was present as a special guest at the event. Besides, TCB Chairman Brigadier General Md Ariful Hasan, and DNCC ward 1 councillor Md Afsar Uddin Khan, among others, were also present.

Regarding the stock of commodities, the minister said, “We have enough stock of goods. A comparison with the past few years shows that this year we are in a strong position in supply and distribution.”

When asked why the prices are not falling in the market even though the stocks of products are sufficient, he told the journalist, the commerce ministry does not control the prices of all products. Certain products including broiler chicken, meat and fish and agro-produce are under the purview of other ministries. Still, we are working in coordination with the ministries concerned so that it is possible to keep the prices within the reach of people.

The minister said the work of converting one crore family cards given by TCB into smart cards is in progress with the aim of providing essential commodities to low-income people at affordable prices. The pilot work of conversion to smart card has been completed in Dhaka North City Corporation, Narayanganj and Barisal. All handwritten cards will be converted into smart cards with QR codes. It will be easier to eliminate discrepancies.

Responding to a question about whether the government would increase the number of family cards, the minister said they are still distributing commodities to people who are excluded from the list on special consideration.

In order to increase the capacity of TCB, initiatives are being taken to build warehouses for the preservation of TCB products across the country, he said.