Dhaka Market Stable After Budget Announcement: Minister

Prices of daily essentials in Dhaka remain stable following the announcement of the proposed national budget, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam said on Monday.

The minister made the remarks to journalists during a surprise inspection of Karwan Bazar, where he assessed supply chains and spoke directly with wholesalers, retailers, and shoppers.

"Prices of most daily necessities are stable, and the supply system is satisfactory," Alam said.

He noted that the government's proposed Tk 9.38 trillion budget is designed to be "people-friendly." Aside from increasing allocations for social security and education, the budget includes tax exemptions on specific essential goods to help shield citizens from inflation.

Unlike previous years, Alam observed, the market has not experienced a post-budget price spike. "This year's budget has been formulated specifically to provide relief to the people," he added.

He attributed the current market stability to coordinated supervision by the Ministry of Commerce, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and local district and upazila administrations.

The state minister concluded with a strict warning to syndicates and traders: "If there is any attempt to increase the price of any product unnecessarily, strict action will be taken against those involved."