Keep prices of essentials under control: Tofail to DCs

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed today gave instruction to the deputy commissioners (DCs) to work sincerely for keeping prices of daily essentials within the purchasing capability of consumers across the country.

The government has to protect the rights of the consumers, Tofail Ahmed said while addressing a three day conference of DCs at cabinet division in the Secretariat, Dhaka.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday opened the conference at her office.  

The minister said the law and order situation in the country normal at present and asked the DCs to maintain it efficiently.

In order to expand the country's export basket, the government has selected 14 products in 41 districts under "one district one product (ODOP)" scheme, he said adding that the DCs will take pragmatic steps in this regard.

The producers of those selected items will be given 20 percent cash incentive, Tofail added.

Bangladesh's total exports will cross the $60-billion mark by the end of 2021, when the nation will celebrate its 50th year of independence, he said.