Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md. Tajul Islam yesterday said the government is trying to check the price hike of essential commodities considering the plights of commoners.
“The prices of the essentials have increased not only in Bangladesh but also in other countries,” he told reporters after the inaugural function of Bangladesh Youth Cadet Forum (BYCF) Ex-Cadet Camp-2022 at the proposed Sheikh Kamal Krira Palli in Cumilla, a ministry press release said.
Tajul said coronavirus pandemic contributed to the reduction of production in many industries, while transportations were shut down and fuel oil prices rose to a record level.
Commodity prices have soared up in almost all countries of the world, including India, China, England and Singapore.
Besides, the LGRD minister said, the Russia-Ukraine war has affected the world market and Bangladesh is no exception.
As a result, he said, the prices of essential commodities went up in the country.
Tajul said it is not possible to reduce the prices of all commodities immediately.
But, he said, the government is trying to keep the prices of essential commodities at the affordable level.
The minister said the government has decided to cut tariffs on imported items so that people can buy at lower prices.
Cumilla City Corporation mayor Md Monirul Islam Sakku, deputy commissioner of the district Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, superintendent of police Faruk Ahmed, Adarsha ??Sadar Upazila chairman Advocate Aminul Islam Tutul were, among others, present at the function with BYCF founding chairman Shah Mujibul Haque in the chair.
