Minister of Commerce Tipu Munshi said that the government was looking into importing wheat from five more countries after India announced a halt to wheat exports. ‘We have talked to the Canadian high commissioner about wheat imports,’ he said. ‘Additionally, as a neighbouring country, India will give us wheat. There is no reason to worry about wheat.’
Minister of Commerce Tipu Munshi said at a dialogue organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat on Monday (16 May) that many are saying that the situation in Bangladesh will be similar to that in Sri Lanka. It is said for political purposes. Bangladesh’s economic crisis will never be like Sri Lanka’s. We have lent money to them.
BSRF President Tapan Biswas and General Secretary Masudul Haque, among others, were present at the press conference.
At the dialogue, the Minister of Commerce said that the import of onion has been stopped keeping in mind the needs of the farmers. Onions costing up to Tk 45 per kg is reasonable. But if it is more than Tk 50, it will not be reasonable. Asked what action has been taken against those involved in the edible oil scam, the minister said that legal action is being taken against the accused. But the government also has to keep this in mind, so as not to create a scary environment in the market.
Admitting that prices of other essential commodities are rising in the market, the minister said that the government has taken steps to reduce prices.
Asked why the distribution of edible oil and other products through TCB has been suspended from today, Tipu Munshi said, ‘The Prime Minister has told us, “These are being given to the people of the city, not to the people of the village. Take some time in distributing it.” We will take some time to distribute it in Dhaka. Earlier in Dhaka, we did not get any list, which was given in the network in the village. We will supply oil and other products to one crore families from next month.’
