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Published : 04 Mar 2025, 02:50 PM
M Sakhawat Hussain, the interim government's labour, employment and maritime affairs advisor, has attributed the steady prices of essential goods during Ramadan to the absence of any "shortages" in the supply of daily necessities in the market.
He made the remarks after attending an event at the Ministry of Shipping's meeting room in the Secretariat on Tuesday.
"Sufficient quantities of essential goods are arriving in the country, so there has been no significant price hike so far. While prices for items like eggplants, lemons and cucumbers have gone up, this is a common occurrence every year. Despite this, consumer rights remain protected and the prices of most vegetables have not changed," he said.
Addressing the issue of a certain quarter allegedly "stashing away" cooking oil, he said, "This started about 15 to 20 days before Ramadan, but there is no shortage in the supply."
The advisor also issued a warning that if goods imported from cargo ships are not transferred to lighter ships within 72 hours and leave the port to their designated destinations, a "threefold fine" will be imposed.
"Since Feb 19, we've observed through the Directorate General of Shipping that several lighter ships carrying goods were left idle. Upon receiving this information, we acted swiftly, and with the help of a magistrate, we cleared the ships and imposed fines. Some prominent names are involved in this."
"This issue is ongoing. At Chattogram Port, fines have been tripled. A daily fine of $48 will now be imposed. No one is allowed to store goods at the port. Once goods are unloaded, they are allowed a three-day grace period, but if not moved on the fourth day, a fine of $48 per day will apply. We are closely monitoring this situation at the Ministry of Shipping."
The advisor provided financial aid to the families of six workers who died in an accident involving the MV Al-Bakhira ship on the Meghna River in Chandpur's Haimchar.
