Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin -File Photo

DHAKA, Nov 11, 2025 (BSS) - Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin today stated that the core objective of the ministry is to work to ensure consumers rights in the country.    

“Establishing consumer rights in the market will necessitate taking all necessary steps, regardless of whether those steps are perceived to be for or against any particular party. The ministry's central task is the simplification of local and international trade,” he said while speaking at a view exchange meeting with edible oil Delivery Order (DO) traders held at the Ministry of Commerce conference room in the city, said a press release.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Faruk Ahmed, Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) Brigadier General Mohammad Faisal Azad and leaders representing the edible oil DO traders, among others, were present at the meeting. 

Addressing the DO traders, Bashir acknowledged their significant contribution to edible oil supply and requested their advice and cooperation to keep the market stable. 

He reminded the attendees that he, his ministry, and the traders are ultimately consumers, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to consumer welfare.

The Commerce Adviser criticized the conventional approach used to control the price of edible oil, which typically involves conducting raids on medium or retail sales centers. 

He argued that these types of operations are not very successful.

Instead, the Adviser laid out a strategy to bring the entire supply chain under the ministry’s purview, stating that activities must encompass everyone from the production or import level, extending to DO traders, wholesalers, and retailers.

He suggested that either mill owners or the DO traders, or both, may be involved in destabilizing the oil market. 

Bashiruddin dismissed the notion that instability is caused by a small shopkeeper hiding 500 bottles of oil under a cot. 

He referred to publicized oil recoveries shown on television as drama, noting that while they generate public praise, nothing useful is done. 

The Adviser affirmed the ministry’s dedication to identifying the real culprits and vowed not to allow anyone to create anarchy in the edible oil market.

During the meeting, edible oil DO traders raised complaints that they were not receiving products from the mill owners on time and demanded a solution to this issue.