The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Administrator Md. Abdur Rahim Khan has urged all chambers and associations, along with traders, to be responsible to keep the prices and supply of rice, pulses, edible oil, onions, dates and other essential commodities normal.
He made this call at a view-sharing meeting held with traders at the FBCCI’s Motijheel office on Wednesday (November 12, 2025).
The meeting was attended by former directors of FBCCI, leaders of various chambers and associations, leaders of various market associations, representatives of various government agencies including the Ministry of Commerce, National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, National Consumer Rights Protection Department, TCB, Directorate of Agricultural Marketing, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, Directorate of Livestock.
In his speech as the president of the event, Md. Abdur Rahim Khan said that it is not possible for the government alone to keep the daily commodities market stable. In this regard, the government, private sector and media will have to work in a coordinated manner.
At the beginning of the meeting, FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir presented an informative report on the daily commodities market. The report highlighted the reasons for the abnormal increase in commodity prices in the country’s market at different times, as well as important information and data.
Taking part in an open discussion at the meeting, sugar and edible oil traders said that if mill owners can keep the supply normal, there will be no negative impact on the market of these products next Ramadan.
Representatives of the mill owners said that this year the sugar market is better than other years. The price of sugar is also low in the international market. However, every year in winter, gas supply to factories is disrupted. If this happens, they fear that production will be hampered.
Meanwhile, edible oil traders claim that soybeans and palm oil are currently being sold at prices lower than the government-set prices. If the supply is normal, there is no chance of oil prices increasing next Ramadan, they said.
On the other hand, traders also suggested reconsidering the import duty on some products to keep the market normal. In addition, they suggested importing edible oil through government initiatives as well as the private sector.
Every year, various government agencies strengthen market supervision of daily necessities ahead of Ramadan. Traders allege that in many cases, traders are unjustifiably harassed in the name of campaigns. To get rid of such a situation, the traders drew the attention of the FBCCI Administrator.
FBCCI Administrator Md. Abdur Rahim Khan said that the purpose of the campaign by government agencies is to protect the interests of consumers as well as to provide protection to traders. Their goal is not to harass anyone unnecessarily. At this time, he also urged the traders to do business by following the government’s laws and regulations correctly. The FBCCI Administrator said that the valuable suggestions and opinions raised in the meeting will be presented to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
FBCCI’s International Affairs Wing Head Md. Zafar Iqbal ndc and other officials were also present in the meeting.
