DHAKA, July 29, 2021 (BSS) - Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder today said the government has taken various pragmatic steps to keep rice prices stable to protect the interest of the consumers.

"The government has already taken measures to keep the rice market stable and as part of it the market is being monitored regularly and it will be intensified further. Besides, special drives against illegal rice hoarders will start soon," he added.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a virtual meeting on 'Things to do to keep rice prices stable' from his official residence here, an official release said.

He said that the government is importing rice from abroad while the issue of import of rice by private traders is in progress.

Urging all mill-owners and traders for being humane towards consumers, he said no compromise would be made with profiteers and illegal hoarders.

Food Secretary Dr Moshammat Nazmanara Khanum, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Director General of the Food Department Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Director General of the Department of National Consumer Protection Bablu Kumar Saha, Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) Director General Mohammed Yousuf and Director General of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Md Asadullah also addressed the meeting, among others.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Food, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Commerce, mill owners and business leaders also attended the virtual meeting.