DHAKA: Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on Wednesday (Nov 20) said price of rice would not go up in Dhaka even if the transport workers continue their strike for seven to ten days.

Besides, the minister warned against increasing rice prices, saying the country has an adequate stockpile of food grain.

He was talking to reporters after a views exchange meeting with rice mill owners at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

He said: “There’s no reason to hike the prices. Stern action will be taken against those involved in raising rice prices.”

The minister also said a cell has been formed to monitor the market round the clock and wholesale traders have been given directives in this regard.

The annual demand for rice is 2,84,16710 tonnes. “About 14.59 lakh tonnes of rice and wheat are in stock and 11,13,303 metric tonnes are available at state-owned warehouses,” he added.

He urged wholesalers to raise the price of rice.

BDST: 1810 HRS, NOV 20, 2019
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