No scope to hike essentials’ prices citing fuel costs: Commerce minister

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Friday said there is no scope to raise the prices of essential commodities on the pretext of rising fuel prices, warning that the government will closely monitor the market and take action against any irregularities.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the proposed Natural Park project under Sylhet Zila Parishad at Baish Tila in Sylhet, the minister said the recent increase in fuel prices should not significantly affect commodity prices.

 “If anyone charges excessive prices, the government will take action. It is also not right to raise prices merely on the assumption that costs may increase,” he said.

He said the government has adequate mechanisms to oversee the market and no attempt to manipulate prices would be tolerated.

The minister also pointed to inefficiencies in the country’s port management system as a reason behind rising transportation costs, saying efforts are underway to improve port capacity.

 “A Danish official has been assigned to work on improving port operations. If port activities become faster and more efficient, the per-unit cost of goods transportation will decrease,” he said.

Replying to a question about trade agreements with the United States, Muktadir said any provision found contrary to the country’s interests could be revised under the framework of the agreement.

On the issue of transferring state-owned mills and factories to the private sector, he said the government’s role is not to run businesses.

 “Whenever the government runs businesses, inefficiency leads to losses, which ultimately wastes public money,” he said, adding that the government wants to hand over loss-making enterprises to private investors to ensure employment generation and revenue collection through their operation.

Regarding the Natural Park project at Baish Tila, minister Muktadir said Sylhet Zila Parishad owns around 43 acres of land in the area and plans are underway to transform it into a major tourist attraction.

 “The park will include facilities such as a cable car, rope bridge and various recreational amenities for visitors of all ages. A master plan has already been prepared by the district council, and the government will finance the project,” he added.

Sylhet Zila Parishad Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, political leaders and government officials were present during the visit.