New initiative to check food price hike

May 17, 1972

FAIR-PRICE SHOPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Commerce Minister M R Siddiqui today informs journalists that more than 4,000 fair price shops will be established across the country in June. The initial capital allocated for this project is Tk 20 crores. Consumer Goods Supply Corporation has been formed to run this programme. He further says that these shops will supply 11 essential goods including rice, wheat, edible oil, kerosene, salt, laundry soap, baby food and cigarette. This initiative will check spiraling price of the essential goods, hopes the Minister.

When asked about the government's initiative to address acute food shortage in several areas of the country, the Minister says that the government is dropping food items from plane in these areas. So far the government has distributed 237,000 tonnes of food grains, he adds. He assures that the situation will improve soon as 5 lakh tonnes of food supply will arrive at Chittagong Port shortly.

CABINET MEETS

The Cabinet meets today. The cabinet meeting presided over by Bangabandhu is understood to have discussed wide ranging issues including opening fair prices shops in every union and measures to be taken to check hoarding and smuggling.

CHATTOGRAM AND CHALNA PORT READY NOW

The government today declares that Chattogram and Chalna ports are ready for resuming their operation. The Soviet salvage team has successfully removed mines from the port channels and made those accessible for incoming ships. They have also salvaged three sunken ships from the Chittagong Port area. The Chittagong Port Authority informs that there are 18 more wrecks to be removed to fully activate the port.

INDIAN TRADE TEAM ARRIVES

A seven-member Indian trade delegation today arrives in Dhaka. Sanjay Sen, leader of the delegation, says that they want to share the good will of the Indian business community with the people of Bangladesh and explore ways of cooperation to rebuild the war-ravaged economy of the country. He also emphasises on providing technical assistance to the business community of Bangladesh.

SOURCE: May 18, 1972 issue of Dianik Bangla.