Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Sunday said the present business-friendly government has taken all sorts of measures to ensure adequate supply and stock of essentials as well as keep their prices stable in the country.

“The government has taken initiative to reduce import duty on different products to keep prices of essentials stable amid the coronavirus pandemic,” he said while addressing the District-Upazila Consumers Representatives Conference-2021.

Consumers Association of Bangladesh (Cab) arranged the conference and also a seminar titled ‘Strengthening Consumer Rights’ through a virtual platform.

The Minister said the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has increased the sale of products several times in order to ensure the essentials available at fair prices for the consumers.

Also read: SMEs are lifeline to country's economy: Tipu Munshi

He said Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) is sincerely working to control the prices of goods.

Tipu Munshi said the government has been working with utmost importance to ensure the rights of consumers. “It’ll be possible to ensure the rights of consumers through raising awareness,” he said.

He said the government has strengthened the market monitoring system by establishing the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection as well as formed the Bangladesh Competition Commission to remove monopoly business rather ensure competition in business and trade.

The Commerce Minister said the government has also enacted a law to ensure safe foods.

Also read: E-commerce has a billion-dollar market: Tipu Munshi

CAB President Ghulam Rahman presided over the function, while Chairman of the Bangladesh Competition Commission Md Mofizul Islam and Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Bablu Kumar Saha spoke as the special guests.

Associate Professor at Daffodil University Syed Mizanur Rahman presented the keynote paper, said a PID handout.