Desk Report:
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has announced plans to further intensify market surveillance to ensure an adequate supply of essential commodities and stabilize their prices. He stated that maintaining stability in the market for essential goods—not just during Ramadan, but throughout the year—is a top priority for the government. To achieve this, coordination among business associations, importers, producers, and relevant government agencies will be enhanced.
He made these remarks on Monday afternoon (September 21, 2026) while presiding over a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce conference room in the Secretariat, which focused on reviewing the supply and price stability of essential commodities and the overall market situation.
The Commerce Minister said, “No abnormal situation will be allowed to arise in the market. The government will take necessary action against anyone who exploits the current situation to unreasonably hike prices or attempts to make excessive profits.”
Thanking the business leaders present at the meeting, he noted that the demand for consumer goods and essentials naturally rises during Ramadan. However, the government’s market management strategy is not limited to Ramadan alone; the goal is to maintain normal supply levels and affordable prices throughout the year.
Explaining the reasons behind the recent market situation, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir mentioned that industrial production had been somewhat disrupted due to interruptions in gas supply, and obstacles had arisen in the transportation of goods. Adverse weather conditions, including storms and rain, have also impacted markets in certain areas. However, he expressed optimism that with the winter season approaching, new vegetables would soon hit the market, leading to an improvement in the supply situation.
Urging business associations to keep a close watch on market conditions, the Commerce Minister remarked that while an abnormal fluctuation of two or four taka in product prices might not seem significant in the overall picture, it could erode public confidence in the market. Therefore, maintaining public trust is just as crucial as ensuring market stability.
He stated that to further strengthen public confidence, surveillance and monitoring activities would be stepped up through the coordinated efforts of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, the Ministry of Commerce, law enforcement agencies, and the district administration. The status of product stockpiles, imports, and supply chains will also be reviewed through regular meetings with importers. Highlighting the impact of rising fuel prices in the global market, the Commerce Minister stated that when international fuel prices increase, the country must bear the resulting economic burden. If the government absorbs a portion of the cost instead of passing the entire burden onto consumers at once, the financial strain ultimately falls on the state exchequer. Therefore, the efficient and economical use of fuel is crucial.
Noting that the government would consider providing necessary policy support to maintain normal market and business operations, he said that various aspects of the existing tax structure would be reviewed to keep the prices of essential commodities at a tolerable level. Simultaneously, data regarding domestically produced goods, as well as items for which Letters of Credit (LCs) have already been opened or are currently being shipped, will be regularly monitored.
During the meeting, the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission presented an overview of the demand, import, supply, and price situation of essential commodities. It was reported that the status of imports and LC openings for essential goods is more positive compared to last year.
According to the Commission’s data, the annual demand for red lentils (masoor dal) in the country is approximately 700,000 metric tons. Between July 1 and September 15 of last year, 42,000 metric tons of red lentils were imported; during the same period this year, that figure rose to 106,000 metric tons.
There has also been significant growth in the import of raw materials (seeds) for edible oil. While 273,000 metric tons of seeds were imported during the same period last year, the figure has risen to 386,000 metric tons this year.
The country’s annual demand for sugar ranges from approximately 2 million to 2.1 million metric tons, with a demand for about 300,000 metric tons arising during the month of Ramadan alone. The Commission stated that the overall situation regarding the import and supply pipeline of essential commodities remains positive.
The Commerce Minister further announced an initiative to launch a traceability system aimed at making the supply chains of various products transparent and accountable. This system will enable the monitoring of various stages of the supply chain, from production to the consumer level. Consideration is being given to prioritizing key essential commodities, such as eggs and poultry, under this initiative. He stated that the government’s primary objective is to ensure an adequate supply of goods in the market, maintain reasonable prices, and strengthen consumer confidence. To achieve this goal, the government and the private sector must work in a coordinated manner. Suggestions from business leaders will play a significant role in market management and policy formulation.
During the meeting, business leaders highlighted various issues regarding the production, import, transportation, supply, and market prices of essential commodities, and offered necessary recommendations to maintain market stability.
The meeting was attended by Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission Chairman Nasir Ud Doula, Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Director General Md. Jahirul Islam, and leaders of associations representing importers and traders of pulses, edible oil, dates, eggs, and sugar.
