Biz-Econ

No rice shortage in country: Tofail

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Thursday said there is necessary stock of rice and its supply in the market is sufficient, reports BSS.“Country has no rice shortage, but the government is trying to make up the damage caused by flood in haor and other areas in the country through importing rice,” the minister told media at his ministry office.Imported rice is being brought to the country every day from India and other countries, but a vested quarter is spreading propaganda “circulating a fake letter without signature of Indian government saying that the country has stopped rice export to Bangladesh”, he added.“I observed some media also reported it on the basis of the propaganda which is not accurate,” said Tofail and requested media to be more responsible for the sake of country and people.The minister said, “India neither stopped rice export to Bangladesh nor took any decision regarding it.”He said the vested quarter might have spread such propaganda to destabilize the rice market.Tofail said the government has taken required measures to keep the supply and price of rice stable.He said the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police have been directed to conduct drive against any hoarding of rice.