Price Reduction Of Essential Goods Possible: Asif Mahmud

Labor and Employment Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan stated that it is possible to reduce the prices of essential goods if large corporations are willing. He emphasized, “We are not held captive by corporates. The government is prepared to take any measures necessary to control the market. Activating the field administration has been a significant challenge, and changes are being made. Competent officials are being sent to the field to ensure they can serve the public interest.”

He made these comments while attending a consumer rights conference at the TSC auditorium of Dhaka University on Saturday, October 26.

The adviser noted that the government is taking action against the owners of large corporations in Bangladesh due to money laundering and loan defaults, adding that the government is keen to keep businesses operational. He assured that individuals will face punishment for personal offenses, and employees need not fear.

He also mentioned that a recommendation has been made to the Ministry of Commerce to include student representatives in the task force. Discussions are underway to amend the Consumer Rights Act to make it more robust.

Asif Mahmud stated that those who wish to break the middlemen and syndicates to deliver products directly from farmers to consumers will receive all necessary assistance.

He highlighted that various products are imported into the country, but these often end up in the hands of middlemen. Initiatives will be taken to import goods directly through G2G (Government-to-Government) arrangements.