DHAKA, Oct 15, 2024 (BSS) – The interim government is working to identify syndicates of traders aiming to check the price hike of essential commodities, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said today.

“Efforts are on to indentify and sever the syndicates of traders. We’re seeking cooperation from you. If you have information on the syndicates – who are manipulating prices and who are doing monopoly. If you cooperate with the government by providing information, the government will, of course, take steps to this end,” he said at a press briefing at Foreign Service Academy here this evening.

Mentioning that there is a concern among commoners about the price hike of essentials, Azad said the government has already taken some steps to bring the prices of essential commodities at affordable level.

“The price of eggs is now on upward. In importing eggs, tariff has already been reduced to 13 percent from 33 percent,” he said.

The deputy press secretary said decision has been taken to cut duty by five percent on the import of edible oil and withdraw value-added-tax to this end.

A decision has also been taken that the wholesalers will buy eggs directly from farmers to keep egg price at tolerable level, he added.

Azad said the government has started selling agricultural products including potato, onion and vegetables at affordable prices under Open Market Sale (OMS) programme at different areas in the city.

Currently, the products are being sold at 20 points, he said, adding that the number of selling points will be increased further.

Adviser for the Ministries of Finance and Commerce Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today formally inaugurated the agriculture products selling programme at Directorate General of Food Office at Abdul Ghani Road in the city.

Initially, the government has started selling 10 products at 20 places through trucks. The places are - Khadya (food) Bhaban, Manik Mia Avenue, Mirpur-10, Basabo, Basila, Rayer Bazar, Rajarbagh, Mugda-North, Mugda-South, Palashi Mor, Hazaribagh, Mohammadpur, Gabtali, Mohakhali Bus Stand, Begunbari, Uttarkhan, Dakshin Khan, Kamrangirchar, Rampura and Zigatola.

Under the programme, per kilogram potato is being sold at Taka 30, per dozen of egg Taka 130, per kilogram of onion Taka 70 and green vegetables are being sold under different packages.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Safiqul Alam was present at the press briefing.