Advisor Dr M Sakhawat Hossain spoke to reporters at Nijhum Dwip of Hatia Upazila today. Photo : BSS

NOAKHALI, Feb 22, 2025 (BSS) - Adviser to the Ministries of Labour and Employment, and Shipping Dr M Sakhawat Hossain today said prices of essential commodities remained under control ahead of Ramadan due to government’s strict stance and increased imports of dates and chickpeas.  

“Some unscrupulous businessmen in the country consider Ramadan as an opportunity for financial exploitation, forming syndicates to manipulate the market. However, we are taking strict instance against them,” he said.   

The adviser was talking to journalists after visiting Lighthouse activities under the project ‘Establishment of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System and Integrated Maritime Navigation System’ at Nijhum Dwip (Island) at the Hatia Upazila of the district today.

The administrations have been instructed to remain alert about the potentials of forming syndicates and break those immediately, Sakhawat said calling upon the common people to cooperate with the authorities in this regard.

The advisor acknowledged the difficulties the country is currently facing, saying it will take time to rebuild the state system after the previous government’s collapse.

“We are working hard to improve law and order. We ask the people to be patient because it is not possible to resolve 17 years of mismanagement and chaos in just 15 months,” he added.

Later, Dr. Hossain listened to local residents' concerns and assured them that steps would be taken to improve the situation. He also expressed confidence that Nijhum Island could play a vital role in boosting the country's tourism sector.

Deputy Commissioner of the district Khandokar Istiak Ahmed, Police Superintendent Abdullah Al Faruque, and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), among others, were present on the occasion.