Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir -File photo

DHAKA, June 2, 2026 (BSS) — Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today announced a plan to transform the commerce ministry into an efficient and people-oriented institution within two years as he fixed four priority initiatives to be implemented in coming days.

“The ministry’s key agenda will focus on ensuring stability in market management, revitalising the tea industry, addressing post-LDC trade challenges and adopting effective measures to control prices of essential commodities,” he told a review meeting on the ministry’s activities.

According to a commerce ministry statement officials of the ministry and related departments and institutions joined the meeting at its conference room at the Secretariat.

Muktadir said that even after 55 years of independence the country was yet to establish an effective and long-term framework for maintaining price stability of many sensitive and essential commodities, promising to develop a sustainable and effective price stabilization mechanism.

He said the mechanism would maintain market stability for these products throughout the year in the interest of consumers though the market situation of over 30 key essential commodities was currently being monitored regularly.

The minister said Bangladesh has a traditional tea industry which was currently facing multiple challenges despite its significant contributions to export earnings in the past.

“Necessary steps would be taken to rebuild the industry on a stronger footing  . . the government and private stakeholders will work together to enhance the sector’s capacity and competitiveness,” he said.

Muktadir said the ministry would need to ensure a smooth and successful transition in the global trade system following Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category to a developing nation.

He said initiatives would be intensified to conclude Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and investment agreements with different countries.
Simultaneously, the minister said, special emphasis would be placed on training officials to strengthen institutional capacity and develop skilled human resources for international trade negotiations.

He stressed effective coordination with the agriculture and other relevant ministries and agencies for developing an effective system to protect consumers from unusual price hikes during seasonal or special circumstances.

The minister also announced plans to transform the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) into a modern resource centre.

He said models from Turkey, Malaysia and India would be reviewed to adopt a suitable framework, enabling the organisation to become a reliable repository of trade, market and sector-based research for both the government and private sector.

“Ministers and secretaries are not permanent, but institutions are permanent. Therefore, strengthening institutions is our main goal,” Muktadir said.

He added that through collective efforts, dedication and professional efficiency of officials and employees, the ministry would be developed into an effective institution for economic development and market management.

Commerce Ministry Secretary (Routine Charge) Md Abdur Rahim Khan moderated the meeting when the officials concerned shared their views.