DCs asked to ensure stability of commodity prices: Home minister 

Deputy Commissioners have been given special instructions to control the prices of commodities as it has become a major challenge, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told reporters today.

He briefed reporters after the fourth session of the third day of the Deputy Commissioner Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

He said, "We have requested district commissioners to monitor the market every week if necessary to keep the price of goods at a bearable level. Special instructions have been given to control commodity prices, ensuring they do not increase due to any unwanted or unnecessary reasons." 

He warned that strong actions will be taken by the home ministry if needed.

Apart from market stability, the minister touched upon other concerns raised during the session. "DCs did not say anything about law and order during the conference. They talked about various small points like narcotics, improving food conditions for prisoners, providing more concessions to inactive prisoners, and the possibility of introducing virtual courts," the home minister said.

He further added that the district administrators have been instructed to work socially to prevent the use of narcotics. They have also been directed to stop all sand extraction from the river.

Bangladesh prepared for any situation on Myanmar border: PM's security adviser

Bangladesh is prepared to respond to any situation that may arise on the tense border with Myanmar, according to Major General (Retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, security affairs adviser to the prime minister.

While emphasising Bangladesh's non-aggressive stance, Tarique Ahmed held out the assurance that the country is ready to defend itself if attacked.

He made comments following the working session with the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Division.

Tarique Ahmed acknowledged the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and the increased involvement of the civil administration and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) along the border. He highlighted the fact that the military is not currently deployed on a large scale as no war has erupted.

"The prime minister's directive is that Bangladesh will never take an aggressive role," Tarique Ahmed said. "However, we are ready. If any attack comes on us, it will be dealt with."

He expressed concern about the potential involvement of external forces in the Myanmar conflict and Bangladesh's desire for a peaceful resolution that ensures the safety of the Rohingya population.

The briefing highlighted discussions on enhancing cooperation between defence forces and civil administration in disaster management, aimed at a further strengthening of civil-military relations.

Action against hoarders under the Special Powers Act

Law Minister Anisul Huq said that if anyone tried to destabilise the market by hoarding products, actions will be taken against them under the Special Powers Act of 1974.

The minister added that mobile courts have been asked to dispose of cases quickly and DCs cooperation have been sought to solve complicated cases.

In response to a question whether recent fire incidents in restaurants are happening due to lack of rule of law or due to negligence, the law minister said that if the investigation report comes to the court and if a case is initiated, then necessary directions will be given to the prosecution for speedy disposal.

'Dynamic pricing' soon

State Minister for Energy and Power Nasrul Hamid said that consumers will get fuel at affordable prices from this week as a dynamic pricing formula will be implemented to determine the price of oil in accordance with the world market.

The minister said, "The prime minister has already approved this. It is expected that the consumers will enjoy lower fuel prices compared to the current prices."

"Electricity and fuel should be kept uninterrupted in the coming months, including March," he added. 

The Energy minister further said, "The DCs have been instructed on how to increase the reach of solar power in all sectors including irrigation, educational institutions, government offices.

The reporters pointed out that with lower fuel prices in Bangladesh, the chances of smuggling will likely increase as the price of diesel per litre in Bangladesh is Tk109 and in Kolkata it is Rs133. When asked if any initiatives have been taken to prevent smuggling, the minister said that law enforcement agencies have been asked to remain vigilant.

ETPs to be monitored continuously through smart monitoring system

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that there are currently 2,500 Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) in the country and these ETPs will be brought under a smart monitoring system. 

"ETPs are not used most of the time. It is only turned on when an inspector goes for a visit. As physical monitoring of so many ETPs is not possible, a device will be installed in ETPs, through which its operation time can be monitored centrally."

He further said that when an ETP is not turned on for a day, Tk1 lakh is saved. But only Tk10,000 is fined if it remains turned off for three months. For this reason, the penalty for stopping the ETP will be increased, he added.

Special framework for women workers going abroad

Expatriate Welfare and Foreign Employment Ministry Secretary Ruhul Amin said that a framework will be created for sending women workers abroad so that they can work in a healthy environment.

"This has already been discussed with the embassies. A framework for the safety of women workers should be established soon so that when we send women workers abroad, they can work in a good environment," the minister said.

The minister further added the fact that workers are being cheated while going abroad is having a negative impact across the country. It is seen in many places that workers are not getting work. We will soon take action in this regard. Recruiting agencies involved are being fined. So far 48 companies have been banned.