DHAKA, Oct 15, 2023 (BSS) - Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today said the 
imported eggs would arrive in the country within the next three to four days.

The minister said this to the reporters after inaugurating the sale 
operations of TCB's commodities including rice at affordable prices to some 
one crore family card holders across the country for the month of October in 
front of the ward councilor's office (Number 15) adjacent to Dhanmondi Lake 
(Dingi) in the capital today.

He said considering the current egg market situation, some 15 companies have 
already been allowed to import 15 crore pieces of eggs in order to increase 
the supply of eggs in the market and thus keeping the market price stable.
 
Out of these, some seven firms and companies have opened up LCs. The first 
consignment of imported eggs is expected to arrive in the country within this 
week, hoped Tipu.

In this regard, he further said that several conditions have been imposed for 
importing each consignment of eggs. One of which is that a certificate, 
notifying the consignment free from avian influenza or bird flu virus and 
harmful bacteria, authenticated by the government of the exporting country 
must be submitted. 

The Commerce Minister said since eggs were not imported before in the 
country, it is taking some time for the importers to get this certificate 
leading to delay in import of eggs.

When asked whether the government would allow import of potatoes, he said, 
"We haven't yet decided to allow the import of potatoes in the country. We've 
information that there is sufficient stock of potatoes in the country. Market 
monitoring is going on. If the price of potatoes goes up further, then the 
matter will be discussed with the agriculture minister and thus initiatives 
will be taken to import potatoes if necessary."

Earlier, in the speech as the Chief Guest, the Commerce Minister said that 
following instructions from the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government 
is selling essential commodities at affordable prices to some one crore 
family card holders of the country through Trading Corporation of Bangladesh 
(TCB). 

Alongside edible oil, sugar, lentil, rice is being sold among the family card 
holders from July. Besides, onion will be sold among the beneficiaries from 
this month which will be limited initially in the capital.

The Premier, considering the wellbeing of the poor and helpless people who 
live below the poverty line, decided to give one crore family cards 
benefitting some five crore people with daily essentials at a low price, he 
said. 

"We know that due to global factors, the prices of several essential 
commodities have increased. The government is trying its best to keep it 
within the reach of the common people. But, the prices of imported goods have 
to be adjusted with the international market. For which it is not being 
possible to reduce the prices of those items despite our sincere desire," 
Tipu continued.

The Commerce Minister said the Directorate of National Consumer Rights 
Protection (DNCRP) has been conducting its monitoring activities tirelessly 
to control the market.

He said in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the 
distribution of TCB cards, the work on converting some one crore family cards 
into smart cards is in the final stage.
 
"We hope to start the distribution operations of these smart cards by the end 
of this month. This is also a part of building Smart Bangladesh," he added.

Senior Secretary of Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh spoke on the occasion 
as the special guest.

TCB Chairman Brigadier General Md. Ariful Hasan and Dhaka North City 
Corporation (DNCC) Ward No. 15 councilor Rafiqul Islam Babla were present, 
among others, on the occasion.