Govt has enough stocks for Ramadan market stability: Commerce Minister

Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said that the government has adequate food stocks to maintain market stability during the holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking to journalists on Friday morning after exchanging greetings with government officials and party leaders at Osmani International Airport, the minister emphasised that ensuring stable prices of essential commodities remains one of the top priorities of the Ministry of Commerce.

“The Ministry of Commerce’s key responsibility is to keep the prices of essential food items stable. This responsibility becomes even more important during Ramadan. Although we assumed office shortly before Ramadan and had limited time to introduce special measures, the positive aspect is that the food stock we currently have is sufficient to maintain price stability,” he said.

Responding to questions about development plans for Sylhet, the minister noted that his commitments to the region had been clearly outlined during the election campaign and in the party manifesto. He said the government would focus on initiatives directly linked to improving people’s quality of life, including employment generation, expansion of IT-related professions, and the establishment of an artificial intelligence (AI) center.

He also highlighted the importance of technological advancement, noting that neighboring countries have already introduced major digital programs and AI training for government officials.

“If we fall behind, the world will look at us with sympathy. We must build our capacity to compete globally,” he said, adding that the government is committed to utilizing every day over the next five years to strengthen Bangladesh’s global position.

Addressing employment prospects at Sylhet’s IT park, the minister stressed that investment is essential to creating jobs. He said improving communication infrastructure, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and ensuring political stability are critical to attracting investors.

He further noted that special policy support would be provided to both expatriate and domestic investors interested in Sylhet, expressing confidence that tangible progress would be visible soon.

Several senior officials, local administrators, and leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its affiliated bodies were present during the visit.