‘Rational decision to be taken on edible oil price hike’

The government will reach a final and rational decision on the proposed edible oil price increase only after a rigorous assessment of international market conditions and their tangible impact on the domestic market, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said on Wednesday, emphasising that public interest would remain paramount.

Speaking to journalists after inaugurating riverbank protection work at Kanisail in Sylhet Sadar upazila, under a project for the development of the Surma-Kushiyara river basin and integrated water-resource management, the minister acknowledged that traders had lobbied for higher prices. Nevertheless, he stressed that the government was examining the matter with circumspection rather than succumbing to a precipitous decision. Moreover, he disclosed that officials were closely scrutinising the actual cost of edible oil at both the producer and importer levels, while weighing the potential ramifications for the domestic market. Accordingly, any final determination would follow a comprehensive review of all pertinent factors.

During his visit to ongoing riverbank protection and other development projects, Muktadir also asserted that the government was working tirelessly to improve the country's overall law-and-order situation. Furthermore, he voiced optimism that sustained improvements would galvanise both domestic and foreign investors to commit to new ventures. In a similar vein, addressing local security concerns, he reiterated that the administration would adopt stringent legal measures against the activities of juvenile gangs in Sylhet.

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Consequently, anyone affiliated with such groups, or posing a threat to public safety, would face resolute action, and the minister stressed that there would be no leniency whatsoever. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior Water Development Board engineers, local administration officials, the Sylhet City Corporation administrator and senior local BNP leaders.