Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Monday said the government is moving strategically to dismantle syndicates in the market for essential commodities and is planning to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) into the supply management system.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the truck sale programme of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) ahead of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Azha at Agargaon in the capital.
Mentioning that there is a widespread perception among people that the market for imported essential commodities is controlled by syndicates, the minister said price hikes create frustration among the public, leading to the belief that the government lacks control over the market.
“To overcome this situation and ensure that no one can manipulate the market, the government is working in a planned manner,” he said.
The minister further said several measures are being taken to establish effective government control over the market and keep it free from manipulation.
Among the initiatives, the government plans to build strategic reserves of selected essential commodities.
He also said the government is planning to bring the entire supply chain, from import to retail sales, under an AI-based model.
“Through this system, it will be possible to closely monitor the entire supply chain,” he added.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
