The Trade Adviser Brings Good News on Ramadan Products

Ahead of the upcoming Ramadan, the Adviser to the Ministry of Commerce, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, has indicated that prices of certain essential goods are expected to decrease. Speaking on Sunday, 25 January, after a Taskforce meeting to review the prices and market conditions of daily necessities, he stated:

“Compared to last year, imports of essential commodities have increased by 40 per cent. This ensures that prices will remain within the reach of ordinary citizens,” he said.

Sheikh Bashir Uddin further assured that traders had confirmed the supply of essential goods is stable. “During the forthcoming Ramadan, price controls will be maintained. Prices will not rise; in fact, some goods may become cheaper,” he added.

However, the adviser acknowledged macroeconomic pressures affecting the market. “The government has incurred substantial liabilities due to projects such as the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Payra Port, and the Padma Bridge. Currency depreciation and significant loans from the IMF have impacted the market for daily essentials,” he explained.

Rupur Nuclear Power Plant Project Cost Increased

In a related development, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved a proposal to increase the cost of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant by BDT 25,592 crore. The meeting was held at the NEC Conference Hall in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, under the chairmanship of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.

Following the meeting, Planning Adviser Dr Wahid Uddin Mahmud clarified: “While the increase is not significant in US dollars, the amount appears substantial in local currency terms.”

According to project records, the foundation of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant was laid in October 2013. Although one unit was originally scheduled to come online at the start of 2021, pandemic-related disruptions delayed its completion. Subsequent global events, including the war in Ukraine, further postponed progress. The revised completion date is now projected for June 2028.

The original Development Project Proposal (DPP) budget was BDT 113,092 crore. The first revised DPP now proposes an additional BDT 25,592.85 crore, bringing the total to BDT 138,685.76 crore—a 22.63 per cent increase. The entire cost increment will be financed through project loans.

In addition, ECNEC has approved 25 other projects, bringing the total implementation cost to BDT 45,191 crore, which will be funded as follows:

This dual focus—ensuring affordable prices of essential goods for citizens during Ramadan and managing the financial expansion of major infrastructure projects—reflects the government’s efforts to balance economic stability with development priorities.