Selling Malta oranges at Tk 400–500 is unacceptable: Commerce Minister

BanglaPress Desk: Highlighting the government's efforts to bring fruit prices within the purchasing power of the general public, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stated that selling Malta oranges at Tk 400–500 per kilogram is unacceptable. Speaking to reporters on Thursday (October 8) after an exchange meeting in Chattogram, the minister reiterated that such high prices are unjustifiable, even after accounting for import duties.
Claiming that prices have "dropped significantly" following drives by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and the administration, he warned that attempts to create artificial crises or reap excessive profits—whether during Ramadan or any other occasion—would not be tolerated.
A press release from the Ministry of Commerce stated that Khandaker Muktadir emphasized that "monitoring will continue throughout the year" to maintain market stability.
Regarding measures to keep the prices of essential commodities at reasonable levels by reducing import costs, he mentioned that work is underway to lower the effective duty rate on fruits—currently at 121%—to make them affordable for the public. A letter has been sent to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) regarding the reduction of duties on dates.
The Commerce Minister also assured that discussions would be held with the Governor of Bangladesh Bank regarding the reduction of interest rates on bank loans for the import of consumer goods.
The exchange meeting with business leaders and importers—organized by the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) to ensure the supply of essential goods and market stability—was held at the conference room of the Chattogram World Trade Center.
Outlining preparations for Ramadan and the supply situation of consumer goods, Minister Muktadir stated that there is an adequate supply of essentials, including edible oil and sugar, in the "pipeline." The process of opening Letters of Credit (LCs) for importing these goods remains normal. Efforts are being coordinated among relevant agencies to ensure uninterrupted supply throughout the year, including during Ramadan.
Business leaders at the meeting also pledged to ensure an adequate supply of consumer goods for Ramadan. The meeting was presided over by CCCI President Mohammad Amirul Haque. Others who spoke included Abdus Salam, President of the Khatunganj Trade and Industries Association; former CCCI Presidents Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury and Ali Ahmad; Senior Vice-President Md. Amjad Hossain Chowdhury; former Vice-President M A Salam; Chattogram Custom House Commissioner Abul Bashar Md. Shafiqur Rahman; and former Director S M Abu Taiyab.
BP/TD