Interim government Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that authorities are holding regular discussions with businesses to ensure the stable supply and pricing of essential goods during the upcoming Ramadan.
"We are transparent about inflation data, presenting the full picture to the public," Dr. Yunus said. He added that the government has taken several policy measures to curb inflation, including high interest rates, removing LC restrictions on crop imports, and streamlining supply chains.
Marking 100 days of the interim government on Sunday (November 17) at 7 PM, Dr. Yunus addressed the nation. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus, took office on August 8 following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India.
In his address, Dr. Yunus emphasized efforts to keep commodity prices affordable. "To boost egg supply, we have allowed the import of 95 million eggs, waiving necessary tariffs. Initiatives are in place to reduce intermediaries so that producers can directly supply eggs to the market," he said.
Dr. Yunus highlighted measures to support low-income families, such as selling essential goods at designated spots in Dhaka and other areas. Through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), 57 lakh low-income families have been provided smart cards out of 1 crore Family Cards. To counter reduced rice production due to flooding, the government has waived import tariffs on rice.
He also announced steps to ease economic pressures, such as a slight reduction in fuel prices and increasing gas supply to factories to maintain local production and exports. "We have decided not to increase electricity and gas prices without public hearings, and we are working to curb extortion in the transport sector, which should help reduce market prices," Dr. Yunus added.
Additionally, arrangements have been made to import hydropower from Nepal to support the country’s energy needs.