Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday directed the ministers to take necessary measures immediately to keep the prices of essential commodities under control particularly during the Ramadan, the fasting month for Muslims.
“The holy Ramadan is drawing nearer. So, take necessary steps so that the prices of essential commodities cannot go up during this month,” she said while addressing an informal cabinet meeting with the newly appointed ministers who came to Tungipara with her to pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The meeting was held at the premier’s own residence at Tungipara. After winning a landslide victory in the January 7 polls boycotted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) , AL president Sheikh Hasina on Thursday took oath as Prime Minister for the fourth consecutive term and formed government for the fifth time aiming at building a corruption-free Smart Bangladesh with non-stop progress.
The newly formed government has given top priority to some key challenges that demand first attention during its fresh term in office.
Controlling the surging prices of essential commodities is one of the challenges as general people are smarting from price hike and have already voiced concern on the issue.
Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin briefed the reporters after the meeting.
Mentioning the meeting as an informal one, Salahuddin said that the Prime Minister asked the ministers to take measurers for Ramadan period, especially against the hoarders so that they (hoarders) could not stockpile essential items resulting in artificial crisis.
The premier also called upon the new ministers to conduct drives against hoarding on regular basis, saying, “Keep the price of essentials under control so that common people could lead a comfortable life.”
The PMO secretary said that the Prime Minister also directed the newly appointed first time ministers to know ins and outs about his or her ministries first.
The Prime Minister also advised the ministers to have the highest forethought while taking any project and think whether it will be of any benefit for the country and its people, he added.
