Staff Correspondent

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked the field-level administration to take stern action against illegal hoarders of commodities and ensure a smooth supply of essential items to consumers during the upcoming month of Ramadan.

“During Ramadan, some businesses are there who always want to make extra profit by hoarding the essentials and raising their prices. But we have to pay special attention to it. It is now one of our immediate duties,” she said.

The prime minister made the directives while opening the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Conference-2024 at her office in the city.

Divisional Commissioners and deputy commissioners of districts joined the four-day conference, which will conclude on Wednesday.

“In the supply chain, problems are created or attempts are made to create an artificial crisis of commodities. Some hoarders are there who let goods rot but do not supply the goods to the market. It needs to take tough legal action in this regard,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina asked the field administration to pay special attention so that the essential goods could reach the people smoothly during the upcoming Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims.

She said though the inflation rate is still within 10% in Bangladesh, it is nonetheless a problem.

She directed the officials to intensify monitoring on the market situation and ensure the consumers will not be subjected to harassment.

The subsequent programmes of the conference will be held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, featuring a total of 30 sessions.

Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain delivered the welcome speech.

Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain, PM’s Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sabirul Islam, Chattogram DC Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman and Gaibandha DC Kazi Nahid Rasul spoke at the opening session.

This year, some 350 proposals have been put forth by the DCs and divisional commissioners for the DC Conference, a platform for top field-level administration officials.