50.000 tons of onions are coming from India

Ahasanul Islam Titu, State Minister for Commerce of Bangladesh

The State Minister for Commerce, Ahsanul Islam Titu, announced during a ceremony marking 'World Consumer Rights Day-2024' that Bangladesh will soon receive a substantial shipment of onions from India. The announcement was made at the 'Osmani Memorial Auditorium' in the city, where various dignitaries including senior officials from the Commerce Ministry and representatives from business sectors were present.

Ahsanul Islam Titu disclosed that the first truckload of onions, part of a consignment totaling 50,000 metric tonnes, is expected to arrive from India within the coming week. He emphasized the gradual influx of onions into the Bangladeshi market to address recent shortages and stabilize prices. The initiative aims to alleviate concerns regarding the availability and affordability of onions, a staple in Bangladeshi cuisine.

During his address, Minister Titu underscored the government's commitment to ensuring a stable supply chain and controlling product prices, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan season. He highlighted successful endeavors in reducing the prices of essential commodities such as oil, pulses, chickpeas, and sugar. Additionally, he emphasized the government's efforts to bolster the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing to regulate retail and wholesale prices effectively.

Titu highlighted the significant role of the state-owned Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) in providing subsidized daily essentials to approximately one crore low-income families nationwide. He stressed that around four crore people are benefiting from this program, which aims to alleviate economic burdens on vulnerable segments of society. Furthermore, he commended traders and companies for selling products at mill gate prices, contributing to consumer relief.

As part of efforts to enhance monitoring and management of supply chains, the state minister inaugurated the 'Supply Chain Monitoring System (SCMS) software' during the event. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to leveraging technology for more efficient and transparent supply chain operations.

The announcement of the import of 50,000 metric tonnes of onions from India signals a proactive approach by the Bangladesh government to address market dynamics and ensure consumer welfare. The measures outlined by Minister Ahsanul Islam Titu underscore the government's dedication to fostering a conducive environment for both businesses and consumers, with a focus on affordability and accessibility of essential commodities.

Senior officials from the Commerce Ministry, representatives from the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), and civil society members were among the attendees at the event.

The theme of 'World Consumer Rights Day-2024', "Smart Bangladesh Gori, Voktar Sarthey Krittim Buddhimotta Bebohar Kori," underscores the importance of utilizing technological innovations to ensure consumer rights and welfare in Bangladesh.

Overall, the event served as a platform to announce key initiatives, reaffirm commitments, and foster collaboration between the government, businesses, and civil society to promote consumer rights and well-being in Bangladesh.