United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam on Tuesday claimed that the supply of daily essential commodities remains stable across markets, while prices of ginger, garlic and onion have come down. He made the claim while talking to reporters after visiting Mohakhali Kitchen Market and Mohammadpur Town Hall Kitchen Market. The state minister said he talked to both wholesale and retail traders on supply and marketing conditions, and to shoppers on the overall price situation. He said prices of most daily necessities are currently stable. Vendors informed him that stocks are adequate and that ginger, garlic and onion prices have eased in recent weeks. "We are monitoring the market on the orders of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman," he told reporters after the visits. "Yesterday (Monday) I inspected Karwan Bazar, today two more markets, and in both cases, I found consumers largely satisfied. This government was elected by the people and will always remain attentive to their well-being," Shariful said. Striking a balance on profit margins, he said businesses must earn a return to survive but must not pass excessive price hikes onto consumers. "Government oversight will continue to protect consumer interests." To ensure transparency in market management, the state minister directed every shop to display an up-to-date price list in a clearly visible location. Assistant Director of the Dhaka divisional office of the Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection Abdul Jabbar Mondol was present during the inspections.