Desk Report:
Minister for Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that special initiatives will be taken in four priority sectors to transform the Commerce Ministry into a truly effective, efficient and people-oriented ministry within the next 18 to 24 months.
He said this in his speech as the chairman at the review meeting of the activities of the Ministry of Commerce and its departments and organizations held at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce at the Secretariat on Tuesday (June 2, 2026).
Khandaker Muktadir said that ensuring stability in market management, revitalizing the tea industry, addressing post-LDC commercial challenges and taking effective measures to control the prices of essential commodities will be the main programs of the ministry.
The Commerce Minister also said that currently, the market situation of more than 30 important essential commodities is being monitored regularly. An effective system will be developed in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and related ministries and organizations so that the people do not suffer due to abnormal price increases in any season or special situation.
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that the country’s traditional tea industry is currently facing various challenges. Necessary steps will be taken to put this industry, which once contributed significantly to export earnings, on a strong foundation. Work will be done to increase the capacity and competitiveness of the tea industry in coordination with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The minister said that after Bangladesh’s transition from an LDC to a developing country, it is very important to ensure a successful and smooth entry into the global trading system. To this end, initiatives to conclude Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Investment Agreements with various countries will be strengthened. At the same time, special emphasis will be placed on training to increase the capacity of officials to build skilled human resources in international trade negotiations.
Mentioning the plan to transform the country’s top business organizations’ FBCCI into a modern resource center, the minister said that for this purpose, a suitable structure will be adopted by reviewing the models of Turkey, Malaysia and India, so that the organization can become a reliable information repository for the government and the private sector through trade, market and various sector-based research.
The minister also said that the post of minister or secretary is not permanent, but the organization is permanent. Therefore, our main goal is to strengthen the organization. Through the combined efforts, dedication and professional skills of the officers and employees, we want to develop the Ministry of Commerce as an effective institution in the country’s economic development and market management.
Secretary (Routine Responsibilities) of the Ministry of Commerce Md. Abdur Rahim Khan chaired the meeting. Senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and its subordinate departments and organizations were present and expressed their opinions.
