Changes in market management will come soon: Commerce Minister

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stated that positive changes in market management are expected soon, as the government closely monitors the situation to prevent it from being controlled by a handful of individuals.

He made these remarks after inspecting the Mohammadpur Town Hall Raw Market on Monday. 

The minister explained that the visit aimed to verify whether products were being sold at appropriate prices. 

He noted that supplies remain adequate overall, describing the current market situation as satisfactory. 

However, he pointed out that some individuals are attempting to exploit the holy month of Ramadan for personal gain, warning that strict legal action will be taken against those manipulating prices.

The minister highlighted various initiatives underway to normalise the market and make it more buyer-friendly, though he acknowledged that full implementation will require some time. 

He appealed for cooperation from media personnel, emphasising that collective efforts can bring real relief to the public.

During the inspection, he personally checked prices at various shops. Acknowledging the administrative difficulties in overseeing every market across a large city like Dhaka simultaneously, he explained that it is impractical to deploy government teams to every location. 

Nevertheless, 10 teams from the Department of Consumer Rights Protection are actively working on regular basis. 

The primary objective, he said, is to foster awareness among traders that they remain under constant watch.

With Ramadan ongoing, the minister made a heartfelt appeal to traders, urging them to uphold moral and religious values by avoiding excessive pricing. 

He requested that they refrain from increasing people's hardships during this sacred time, abandon greed for unreasonable profits, and support ordinary citizens instead.

He stressed that sharp price jumps—such as a product rising from Tk40-Tk50 to Tk120 despite sufficient supply—are unacceptable and unwelcome. 

The government remains vigilant to ensure the market does not fall under the dominance of specific groups. 

While meaningful improvements through decisive measures will take time, he expressed hope that the public will grant the necessary patience.

As part of the Ministry of Commerce's responsibilities, he noted efforts to stabilise prices of imported goods. 

Products supported through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) show stable trends, with some even Tk15 to Tk20 lower than the previous year, backed by official statistics.

Addressing a question about recent attacks and threats against Abdul Jabbar Mandal, head of the Dhaka district office of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department, and his team, the minister confirmed that a case has been filed and the legal process is underway.

The visit included State Minister Md. Shariful Alam, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Director General of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department Faruk Ahmed, and Additional Secretary IIT Shibir Bichitra Barua.

Following the Mohammadpur market inspection, the Commerce Minister proceeded to Karwan Bazar, the country's largest wholesale raw material market, where he interacted with buyers and sellers to assess the on-ground situation.