Chilli import begins today 

The government has approved green chilli imports in a bid to stabilise soaring prices with importing begins today (Monday), said Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid. 

The announcement came after Commerce Minister Khondkar Abdul Muktadir, Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid and State Minister for Food Md Abdul Bari inspected Shantinagar Kitchen Market in the capital on Sunday to inspect the prices of essential commodities. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam was also present during the inspection, according to a Commerce Ministry release.

Speaking to reporters after the market inspection, agriculture minister said the government has taken swift measures to bring down green chilli prices.

"We are reducing the existing tax on green chilli imports, and permission has already been granted for imports. Import activities will begin from tomorrow," he said.

He expressed hope that the increased supply would help bring prices down to a tolerable level within the next two to five days.

Green chilli prices in Dhaka's retail markets are currently ranging between Tk320 and Tk380 per kilogram, after climbing as high as Tk400 per kg just two to three days ago. The sharp increase has added to the financial burden on consumers.

During the market inspection, Commerce Minister Khondkar Abdul Muktadir said the government would take all necessary measures to keep the market affordable for consumers.

"Please present what you observe in the field objectively. This will help raise public awareness, reduce misinformation, and prevent anyone from creating an artificial shortage or manipulating prices," he told journalists.

Earlier, commerce minister, agriculture minister and state minister for food attended a meeting at the Commerce Ministry to review the overall market situation of essential food and agricultural commodities and discuss necessary measures.