As onion prices have soared again in the country due to its export ban by neighbouring India, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal says his ministry will consider the withdrawal of duty on its import to keep the local market stable.   "We'll definitely consider the matter [duty withdrawal] as we did in the past," Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal told reporters on Wednesday, responding to a question on withdrawal of duty on onion import.   The Finance Minister was speaking at a virtual briefing session on the outcomes of two consecutive meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase.   He made the remarks when reporters drew his attention to Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi's call to the Finance Ministry to withdraw the existing duty on onion import against the backdrop of India's ban on export of the bulb to Bangladesh and other countries.   The Indian ban on onion export to Bangladesh has triggered an unusual upward trend in its prices. The onion price shot to about Tk 100 from the normal price of Tk 30 in the local market. A bulk import of such an essential item usually comes from the neighbouring country.   The Finance Minister said the government is very careful about the adequate supply of all essential commodities, not only about onions. "We, including the Prime Minister, don't expect any volatile situation of any essential commodities."   Commerce Minister    Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Wednesday said there is no need to panic over onion price as there is adequate stock of it.   "Our country has a demand of 1 million tonnes of onion till next season. In contrast, we've about 600,000 tonnes. There is shortage of 400,000 tonnes," he said at a press briefing on onion stocks, supply and price situation at the secretariat.   Minister Munshi said there will be a bit problem as onion import has been suddenly stopped from India. The government is trying to bring onion from other markets.   "Onion will be brought from other countries, including Turkey, Holland in the next 30 days. Then there will be no more problem," he said.   Munshi said unscrupulous traders have taken advantage of the fact as India has stopped exporting onions. Consumers are also buying more onions, which is creating panic.   "Don't panic. We'll take action against dishonest traders," he said.   Decision to import onion fromTurkey, Egypt    The government has decided to import onion from multiple sources to ensure enough supply of the popular cooking ingredient in the local markets.   In line with the decision, the government has already taken steps to import onions from Turkey and Egypt, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.   The consignments are expected to reach Chittagong port early next month.   India on Monday prohibited the export of all varieties of onion except in cut, sliced or powdered form.