The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has instructed relevant authorities to take decisive action against hoarding and intensify market monitoring to curb price hikes during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. Additionally, the PMO has emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted gas and electricity supply during Iftar and Sahri, as well as to maintain law and order throughout the month.

These directives were issued during a meeting convened at the PMO to assess the stock, supply, and prices of essential commodities, as well as to prepare for the Eid-ul-Fitr exodus, according to a press release on Tuesday.

Chaired by PM's Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, the meeting was attended by secretaries from various ministries and concerned divisions.

Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain noted that ample stocks of food grains and essential commodities are available for this Ramadan compared to previous years. He assured the public that preparations have been made to meet the demands of the fasting month, expressing confidence in a smooth Ramadan and Eid celebration.

The PMO reviewed the stock of essential commodities such as sugar, onion, and edible oil, finding sufficient availability in the market. Measures have been taken to ensure a smooth supply chain to meet the needs of the people during Ramadan.

The government plans to distribute food items to the needy through open market sale (OMS) and Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) initiatives, providing essential items twice to one crore people during the fasting month.

During the meeting, discussions also revolved around facilitating the transport ticket system, maintaining discipline on highways during the Eid exodus, road and bridge renovations before Eid, increasing ferry services, preventing overcrowding in transport, boosting domestic flights, and ensuring timely salary disbursement to workers in garment and jute mills ahead of Eid.

Representatives from various ministries and agencies were present at the meeting, including PMO Secretary and secretaries from Public Security Division, Road Transport and Highways Division, Railways Ministry, Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, Local Government Division, Industries Ministry, Labour and Employment Ministry, Cabinet Division (Coordination and Reform), Bridges Division, Textile and Jute Ministry, Food Ministry, Power Division, Religious Affairs Ministry, Shipping Ministry, and chiefs of different agencies.