CA directs to keep price of essentials within tolerable limit during Ramadan

DHAKA , Bangladesh, July 18 (BSS)-Chief Adviser of Bangladesh caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed today directed the authorities concerned to take special efforts to keep price of essentials within tolerable limit during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

He gave the directives while presiding over a high level
meeting held at his office here this afternoon ahead of Ramadan.

Adviser for Home Affairs Maj. Gen (Rtd) M A Matin, Food
Adviser Dr A M M Shawkat Ali and Commerce Adviser Dr. Hossain
Zillur Rahman attended the meeting.

Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder, secretaries concerned,
Director General of Bangladesh Rifles Maj. Gen. Shakil Ahmed,
Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim and
Inspector General of Police Noor Mohammad were present.

Syed Fahim Munaim, after the meeting, told newsmen that the
meeting discussed in details about the government's preparations
to keep price of essentials within the affordable level of the
people.

The meeting was told that the Ministry of Commerce and BDR
have started procurement of essentials including pulses, edible
oil, powdered milk, onion and sugar to build up adequate stocks
during Ramadan.

On behalf of the ministry of commerce, it was informed in the
meeting that they have started discussions with the business
communities and millers aiming at maintaining smooth supply of
food items during the upcoming holy month.

BDR said they have started procurement of food grains in
addition to their enough stock. Regarding rice, the meeting was
told that open market sale (OMS) of rice is likely to begin
around the third week of next month across the country.

The food ministry has already built up a stock of 10 lakh
metric tones of rice which is expected to reach at 11 lakh MT in
next month. It has also floated tender to import rice from
abroad.

The Chief Adviser directed the ministries of food and
commerce and the BDR to maintain proper coordination among them
to keep price of essentials within tolerable limit and ensure
enough supply of food in markets during Ramadan.

He also directed the authorities concerned to maintain proper
market intervention and monitoring system to facilitate people of
getting necessary food at times of their needs.


Nothing will be agreed against Bangladesh's interest: Dr Iftekhar
DHAKA, Bangladesh, July 17 (BSS) - Foreign Adviser of Bangladesh caretaker
government
Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury today reiterated that in the current Foreign Office
Consultations going on in New Delhi, nothing would be agreed
which is perceived to be against the interest of Bangladesh.
While speaking to the media at his office this afternoon, the
foreign adviser was referring to some ongoing debates in the
media in Bangladesh expressing apprehension that a transit
agreement will be imposed on Bangladesh against her will.
"I have said it most forcefully on several occasions, and I
say it again, that the Bangladesh delegation will not agree to
anything, on any subject that is contrary to our national
interest."
He continued to say: "In foreign policy, it is essential that
the urges of the population are reflected. We are trying to build
a consensus around such issues. Our policies and actions should,
and will, reflect the voice of the people."
"I hope the debate can now be put to rest," he concluded.