The Bangladesh government has decided to import 200,000 tonnes of onions ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, said Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Thursday. Of the amount, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will import 50,000 tonnes. City Group, Meghna Group and S Alam Group will together import 150,000 tonnes -- each 50,000 tonnes separately.
The minister said at a meeting that the shipments of onion will reach the country by March 31. He asked the business people who attended the meeting how the prices of onion doubled overnight in the local market just after India's declaration on banning of onion export.
"We've no way but to import onion for the sake of market stability and consumers' interests," he said. I call upon you (business people) to be pro-active.” He also requested the business people to remain morally steadfast and logical during the month of fasting.
The meeting reviewed the present stock situation of lentils, dates, ginger, garlic, edible oil and sugar, and decided to ensure sufficient stocks of those commodities before the month of Ramadan. The commerce minister also requested the business people not to make excessive profits during the month of fasting.
Onions, depending on their quality, are now being sold between Tk 60 and Tk 110 a kg (€0.66-1.21).
