Govt managed to keep commodity prices within people’s reach: Commerce minister

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today (21 March) said the government has managed to keep commodity prices within the purchasing power of people, noting that prices remained stable over the past month.

“It is not anyone’s personal achievement. By the grace of Allah, the government’s efforts, and the discipline of the people, this has been possible. No one panicked, and that sense of discipline is a key condition for stability,” he told reporters after offering Eid prayers at the historic Shahi Eidgah in Sylhet.

The commerce minister said the government, which he described as elected with a public mandate, remains committed to ensuring that prices of essential goods stay within people’s reach despite global pressures.

“Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, our main goal will be to keep commodity prices affordable and ensure a tolerable cost of living. We will use all necessary government mechanisms to achieve this,” he added.

Meanwhile, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, who also attended the Eid congregation, expressed concern over the situation faced by Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East amid ongoing war.

He said many are facing hardship. “A few people have died while many have been injured and undergoing treatment, and some confined to their homes. We pray that those affected by the conflict can safely return home.”

The main Eid congregation at Shahi Eidgah began at 8:30am and was led by Mufti Rashidur Rahman Faruque Boruna.

Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury also extended Eid greetings to residents and sought cooperation in building a clean and modern city.

“We are working towards a planned, modern, and clean Sylhet with the guidance and support of the prime minister,” he said.

According to officials, a total of 2,958 Eid congregations were held across Sylhet this year, including 396 within the city area. Thousands of devotees attended the main congregation.

Senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi, Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, and other administrative officers, were present at the congregation.