United News of Bangladesh

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and members of his delegation met Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at a breakfast meeting in Sylhet on Tuesday, where they discussed the region's development, investment opportunities and the contribution of Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States. The meeting, held at a hotel in the city, focused on Sylhet's development, the role of Bangladeshi expatriates, particularly the Sylheti diaspora in the US, the potential of the tourism sector, digital technology, and ways to expand bilateral trade and investment. Speaking after the meeting, the commerce minister said the two sides exchanged views on Sylhet's rich cultural heritage, the prospects of its tourism industry and opportunities to accelerate the region's development by drawing on the United States' technological expertise. They also held discussions on strengthening Bangladesh-US relations, expanding trade and economic cooperation, increasing US investment in Bangladesh, particularly in the Sylhet region, and further enhancing people-to-people ties between the two countries. The minister expressed hope that such meetings and exchanges would help deepen the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and the United States while promoting stronger economic cooperation and shared development. Among those present at the meeting were lawmaker MA Malek, Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Emran Ahmed Chowdhury and Mufti Abul Hasan, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury, Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodhi, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Pinki Saha, and Sylhet Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Saturday said all outstanding wages and salaries of factory workers must be cleared before the upcoming Eid. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after a view-exchange meeting with administrative officials at Sylhet Circuit House this afternoon. The minister said the government has already sent a letter to the European Union as part of its preparations for free trade agreements to address post-LDC graduation challenges. Decision on US tariffs, trade deal after review: Commerce Minister He added that initiatives will also be taken in phases to sign free trade agreements with Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Expatriates’ Welfare, Labour and Employment adviser Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the government is working to reopen several closed overseas labour markets and positive outcomes are expected within the next month. He also said necessary measures are being taken to ensure timely delivery of passports and police clearance certificates for Bangladeshis intending to go to Spain. Stocks adequate to keep Ramadan market stable: Commerce Minister Water Resources Minister Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anne said work is underway on river and canal dredging as well as construction of haor protection embankments ahead of monsoon season. Referring to the government’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption, he said no irregularities would be tolerated in the ongoing works. After the meeting, the minister visited erosion-prone parts of Surma River and Chengar River.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Monday said commodity prices and supply in the capital’s markets remain satisfactory during Ramadan, warning that action will be taken if any irregularities are found. The minister made the remarks after a surprise visit to Mohammadpur Town Hall Kitchen Market in the city, where he inspected shops and spoke to traders and consumers. “The market situation during Ramadan is normal. If any deviation occurs, we will take action,” he told reporters. Stocks adequate to keep Ramadan market stable: Commerce Minister Mentioning that monitoring activities are ongoing, Muktadir said 10 teams from the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate are conducting daily drives, alongside three additional teams from the ministry. “If anyone tries to create chaos in the market bypassing these monitoring teams, inform us and we will take steps.” Admitting that the prices of lemons and chickpeas had increased at the beginning of Ramadan, the minister said lemons that were selling at Tk 60 per dozen a day before Ramadan had surged to Tk 120, causing public dissatisfaction. “However, during today’s visit, we found that lemon prices have come down to Tk 50-60 per dozen depending on the variety.” Muktadir said controlling the market in a city of around 20 million people like Dhaka requires coordinated efforts and assured that the Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring the situation to prevent a handful of traders from manipulating the market. He said import-based commodities remain stable and there is no shortage in products sold through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). “In fact, the prices of many items are Tk 10-15 lower this Ramadan compared to last year.” Bangladesh to seek delay in LDC graduation, says Commerce Minister Responding to a question about recent obstruction and alleged threats against a magistrate during a consumer rights drive at Moulvibazar in the capital, the minister said a case has already been filed against the trader concerned. “The law will take its own course. The purpose of market drives is not to harass traders but to send a message that they are under government surveillance,” he said. State Minister for Commerce Md Shariful Alam, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Director General of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate Farooq Ahmed and Additional Secretary of the ministry IIT Shibir Bicitro Barua were present during the visit. Later, the minister also inspected the capital’s largest wholesale kitchen market at Karwan Bazar and exchanged views with traders and buyers about the overall market situation.