Hasina directs intensified market monitoring amid rising commodity prices

The directive was to maintain fair pricing and closely monitor the market without specifying any particular product, says the state minister

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has tasked State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu with ramping up market monitoring efforts in response to rising commodity prices, despite there being no shortage of supplies.

The directive was issued during a cabinet meeting on Monday, Titu said.

Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain said that the prime minister emphasised the importance of vigilance in market monitoring due to the noticeable trend of price increases. This issue becomes particularly pressing as the Eid-ul-Azha festival approaches, a time traditionally associated with spikes in prices.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, Titu explained that the concern revolves around the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival.

"Such festivals tend to lead to unreasonable price hikes. The directive was to maintain fair pricing and closely monitor the market without targeting any specific products. The primary goal was to curb unwarranted price hikes."

Titu emphasised the importance of market surveillance, noting, "Given the success of our market surveillance during Ramadan, the prime minister is confident in its effectiveness.

"So, monitoring activities should be intensified before Eid. Prices must not be unreasonably increased, and product supply should remain uninterrupted. Monitoring is part of our responsibilities."

Titu also shared insights into the public perception of their efforts. "Sometimes I feel we're doing too much or too little. People often comment on our market activities. With the prime minister's instructions, our work will now be more streamlined."