Give utmost effort to control prices of essentials: PM in first meet of new cabinet
Sector insiders believe agro industry has potential for $10 to $15 billion export a year
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her address at the first meeting of the new cabinet on Monday stressed the need to control the prices of daily essentials, especially during the upcoming month of Ramadan.
"Adequate supply of those products that experience an increase in demand during the month of Ramadan has to be ensured," Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain told the media ,quoting the premier.
The PM's call comes amid a sudden rise in food prices, including rice and beef. The millers hiked the prices of edible oil before the elections without the approval of the government. The price of various vegetables in the market has also increased.
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Regarding the government's response against rising prices, the secretary said the prime minister gave the utmost importance to controlling the price of goods.
For this, the ministers have been asked to make maximum efforts. She also gave instructions to regulate the supply of products that see higher demand during Ramadan, he said.
"See what happens in the markets from tomorrow. Surely, you will see some changes," secretary Mahbub added, hinting that actions at field level against inflation may start from today.
The secretary also said the PM has given strict instructions to the ministers to build agricultural products storage so that the agricultural production is not disrupted in any way.
According to sources, the prime minister also said in the meeting that there is an impression among many that the Awami League government is not able to control the price of goods.
Therefore, she directed the ministers to change this concept by taking measures against hoarders and artificial crises.
State minister meets TCB, DNCRP officials
Following the Cabinet meeting, State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam conducted a meeting with officials from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP).
The talks focused on checking TCB's product stocks. They evaluated the availability of three subsidised products for one crore needy families this month and five products twice next month during Ramadan.
After the meeting, State Minister Ahsanul told TBS, "We also addressed the need for additional imports and sought information on the current import status. Besides, the DNCRP has been told to intensify market surveillance against hoarders."
PM directs quick implementation of projects
At the cabinet meeting, the prime minister directed the relevant ministries to formulate action plans and implement them to forward the country, Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain said.
She directed the completion of projects in the final stages by allocating the necessary funds.
The PM said, "The projects which are in the last stage of implementation should be completed quickly for the welfare of the people."
She also emphasised considering people's needs when undertaking new projects.
Warning against graft
The prime minister also issued a directive to ensure transparency and accountability in all areas, including public procurement. She directed the ministers to implement the zero tolerance policy against corruption.
"Alongside ensuring transparency and accountability, special attention has to be given to government revenue, expenditure and procurement. I will not tolerate any kind of corruption-irregularity here," she said.
Emphasis has been placed on ensuring that the actual impoverished people receive the benefits of social security coverage.
She directed the exploration of new markets to expand exports and the creation of facilities to boost the export of tannery and tannery products, jute products, and agricultural products.
The prime minister emphasised the need to increase freelancing opportunities and directed to make ICT education more job oriented.
The cabinet secretary said the PM directed to create sports opportunities and continue the success of women development to keep the youth away from terrorism and drugs.
The secretary said the PM spoke about the four pillars of Smart Bangladesh — Smart Citizen, Smart Society, Smart Economy and Smart Government. The part of the ministry which is involved with these pillars, has been asked to take the action plan with importance accordingly.
The prime minister also directed the concerned ministries to deal with arson and vandalism in a coordinated manner, according to the cabinet secretary.
Secretary Mahbub said the cabinet has approved the draft speech of the president, which he will deliver at the first parliamentary session of the new government on 30 January.
