Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that the present government is the government of the people. So the government is always trying to ease the sufferings of the people. To this end, the government has continued all kinds of activities to keep the prices of essential commodities normal. In the meantime, we have been able to control the abnormal price hike of consumer goods to a great extent.
She said this in response to a written question from Abul Kalam, the MP of Natore-1 constituency.
"Our country is facing the pressure of inflationary import due to the increase in the prices of some commodities including fuel oil, edible oil, wheat, fertilizer, consumer goods and industrial raw materials," she said. At the same time, there is a possibility of intensifying the crisis due to the new conflict in the Middle East. In this situation, we are trying our best to control inflation and mitigate its impact on the people.
The prime minister said the recent fall in the exchange rate of taka has an adverse impact on domestic inflation. In this case, a 'Crawling Peg' based currency exchange policy will be adopted soon to bring stability in the exchange rate of foreign currency. It is expected that this arrangement based on the fixed corridor will prevent abnormal fluctuations in the exchange rate of foreign currency. As a result, it will also help control inflation.
"Any conflict in the Middle East affects the oil market. This increases the freight of goods. Which puts pressure on import costs. Fertilizer import costs are affected. As an alternative source, the existing relations with China, Morocco, Tunisia, Canada, Russia, etc. will be further strengthened. The government will take necessary measures in this regard as it may have an economic impact on Bangladesh if the crisis in the Middle East intensifies and is prolonged.
