News Flash
CHATTOGRAM, March 15, 2026 (BSS) – Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today announced the formation of a Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the unacceptable price gap between wholesale and retail markets.
He said the Ministry of Commerce will establish the Fact-Finding Committee to identify the actual causes behind the irrational price differences often observed between the wholesale and retail levels.
“The committee will be composed of business representatives, members of the administration, and relevant professionals. Its primary objective is to conduct a deep analysis of market disparities and provide necessary recommendations to the government,” he said.
The Minister made the announcement while speaking as the chief guest at a review meeting titled “Middle East Conflict: Review of Consumer Goods Supply and Price Situation,” held at the Khatunganj Trade and Industries Association conference room this afternoon following his physical inspection of the Khatunganj wholesale market, said a press release.
In many cases, Muktadir stated, an unacceptable price difference is observed between wholesale and retail.
This committee will analyze the situation deeply and provide necessary recommendations," the Minister said.
Addressing the current market volatility, the Minister noted that as Bangladesh is an import-dependent nation, the domestic market is naturally sensitive to global fluctuations, particularly those exacerbated by the ongoing Middle East conflict mentioned in the meeting’s agenda.
He highlighted three primary external drivers currently affecting prices: hikes in commodity prices on the international market, the appreciation of the US Dollar, and increased transportation and freight costs resulting from regional instability.
He emphasized that while these external factors are significant, the government is staying vigilant to ensure that internal management issues or a lack of control do not lead to unreasonable price hikes.
Turning to the issue of foreign fruit imports, the minister detailed a policy stance that distinguishes between essential and luxury items.
He identified fruits such as apples, grapes, and oranges as items that should remain accessible to the general public, noting that the government would consider policy interventions to keep the prices of these specific fruits within the reach of consumers.
However, he explicitly stated that there is no necessity to reduce import duties on high-priced luxury fruits.
Reflecting on the principles of a free-market economy, Muktadir described traders as the driving force of the economy.
He defined the government’s role as a facilitator tasked with ensuring a favorable environment for trade and investment while keeping market operations smooth and natural.
In this regard, he issued a clear directive to officials to ensure that traders are not subjected to unnecessary harassment during routine market monitoring and supervision activities.
The minister also addressed the holy month of Ramadan, calling upon the business community to treat the period as a month of sacrifice and restraint.
He urged traders to prioritize the public interest by ensuring fair pricing, which he noted would set a positive example for society.
The minister provided a positive assessment of the edible oil market, stating that it has remained relatively stable compared to the trends of previous decades.
While thanking traders for this stability, he expressed deep concern regarding reports of artificial scarcity or overpricing in certain areas despite a sufficient supply of oil.
He mentioned that his visit to Khatunganj was specifically intended to hear the perspectives of traders regarding these supply-side issues.
The review meeting was presided over by Md. Abdus Salam, President of the Khatunganj Trade and Industries Association. Special guests included Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia.
