DHAKA, Aug 18, 2024 (BSS) - Adviser to the Ministries of Finance and Commerce Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said that the prices of commodities are very much related to the production and supply while the government is very much aware about the possible steps for controlling the prices of commodities.

"We're very much aware about the matters which are related to trade and commerce. Another colleague (Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud) of mine is also looking after the Ministry of Planning. Usually, we're used to such matters," he said while replying to queries of reporters at the Ministry of Finance at Bangladesh Secretariat today.

The Adviser earlier held a meeting with the country director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Edimon Ginting at his ERD office.

Noting that the government is also aware about the imported inflation, he said that only essential items should have to be imported. "We'll have to keep an eye so that additional pressure is not put on the common people and the consumers while the existing pressure could be reduced further," he added.

Dr Salehuddin said the central bank governor also knows well about the reasons behind the rising inflation trend for which strict market monitoring is going on.

Answering to another query, he informed that the Bangladesh Bank Governor is dealing with the matter of increasing the foreign currency reserve while he would raise the issue in the upcoming annual meetings of the World Bank and the IMF.

Asked about outcomes of the meeting with the ADB, Dr Salehuddin said that the development partners especially the World Bank and the ADB are very much positive regarding continuing their operations with Bangladesh.

He said the ADB and other development partners have assured him that they would continue their cooperation with Bangladesh in the development sector in the days to come.

He said that the development partners are also very keen about spearheading the pipelined projects in line with the priorities of the government.

Asked whether the interim government would press for delaying the LDC graduation period beyond 2026, the Adviser said the issue is very big and a set of conditions are attached to it. Not only the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce, but also the NBR and other related agencies are related to it while the government is aware about the developments.

About the demands from government staff for providing ration, he said that both the public and private sector employees are equal to him and the priorities of the government are that everyone can lead a decent living ..." We're aware that everyone gets the benefits equally," he added.

Asked about his new responsibilities with the Ministry of Commerce, he said that the local and international trade is an important pillar of the economy while the government would deliver its best to ensure a business friendly and corruption-free environment in the business operations and other affairs.

Noting that the trade, commerce and supply chain have a very important role in curbing inflation, the Adviser said that the government would take prompt steps to address the issues.

Dr Salehuddin also informed that he would sit with the Ministry of Commerce and its subordinate bodies to deal with the pressing issues. "You can be best assured that I'll deliver my best and take steps soon," he added.