Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has said instability in the world market has caused price rise of daily essential commodities in the country as elsewhere in the world.
"Until the Ukraine-Russia war ends, there is no opportunity right now to reduce prices of daily essential commodities. However, if the war ends, the situation may return to normal," he said.
The minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Rangpur Parjatan Motel auditorium where he attended a workshop on 'Formulation of an integrated action plan to build a social movement to prevent drug abuse' as the chief guest, reports BSS.
The Rangpur Divisional Administration organised the event at the initiative of the Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Rangpur Divisional Office of the Department of Narcotics Control.
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Abdul Wahhab Bhuiyan presided over the workshop.
Tipu Munshi said the rise in fuel prices has been caused due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Now, the exchange rate of the US dollar has risen at an unusual rate.
"As a result, the cost of transportation of importers has increased, affecting everything. The Ministry of Commerce is looking into the increase in rice prices during the full season," he said.
Tipu said, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to take action against rice hoarders. The campaign is going on across the country."
The minister said it is not possible to reduce the price of oil in the country due to an increase in the price of the same in the international market.
"Soybean oil will be sold at affordable prices among 10 million poor families from mid-June on the directive of the Prime Minister. This activity will continue till the price of oil decreases in the international market," he said.
Tipu said, "In our country, the price of soybean oil is Taka 198 per litre. But, in Kolkata, it is now 215 rupees per litre."
He urged journalists to cast news on price hikes in other countries too alongside news on price spirals in our country.
"Our people will get accurate information if we publish news on the world market situation with the picture of how much oil prices are going up in Sri Lanka, England, Germany, India," he said.
Tipu hoped that the prices of various commodities, including oil, would return to normal after the end of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Addressing the workshop, the Commerce Minister called upon people to take initiative to formulate a comprehensive action plan for building a social movement against drug abuse to build a healthy future generation and good citizens free from drug addiction.