Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir on Friday said the government has sufficient food stocks to keep the market stable during the upcoming Ramadan, assuring that there is no scope for price volatility.

“The Ministry of Commerce has the key responsibility of keeping prices of essential commodities stable. This responsibility becomes even more important during Ramadan. When we assumed office, there was little scope to take special measures ahead of the holy month. However, the positive side is that the volume of food stock we now have is adequate to maintain price stability in the market,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after exchanging greetings with officials of different government departments and party leaders at Osmani International Airport in the morning.

Responding to a question about development plans for Sylhet, Muqtadir said he had outlined various commitments in his election campaign and manifesto aimed at improving the living standards of the people of the region.

“I want to work on issues directly linked to the socio-economic uplift of Sylhet residents. In particular, we will focus on employment generation, expansion of IT-related professions and initiatives to establish an AI centre,” he said.

Highlighting the global digital shift, the minister noted that neighbouring countries have already undertaken large-scale digital schemes and are providing AI training to government officials.

“If we lag behind, others will look at us with sympathy in today’s world. We must build our capacity to compete globally,” he said.

He added that the government will work with sincerity over the next five years, utilising each day to advance Bangladesh’s global standing.

On job creation at Sylhet’s IT park, the minister said investment is crucial for generating employment.

“To attract investment, we need improved connectivity, reduced bureaucratic red tape and political stability, along with a supportive business environment,” he said, adding that special policy support is needed for expatriate and local investors in Sylhet.

“We are working on these issues and visible progress will be seen very soon,” he added.

Among others present were Sylhet MP MA Malik, Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi, Range DIG Md Mushfekur Rahman, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, Acting President of Sylhet city unit BNP Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi and Sylhet district BNP President Abdul Qaiyum Chowdhury, along with leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its associate bodies.