Adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment and Ministry of Youth and Sports, Asif Mahmud Shojib, said problems are occurring in the country due to the non-cooperation of certain members of the administration. A revolution has taken place in our country. After a revolution, nothing operates according to the old system, yet we are still holding on to the old system. However, we will break the system if it’s necessary. He said the government will also consider replacing uncooperative officials in the administration by appointing new officials if it is needed.
Adviser Asif Mahmud came up with the assertion while exchanging views with the officials of Chattogram divisional and district departments regarding the control of commodity price and syndicate at the Chattogram Circuit House on Saturday.
Secretary of Ministry of Labour and Employment, AHM Shafiquzzaman, presided over the view-exchange meeting. Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Tofael Islam, Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom, Additional Police Commissioner Masum Ahmed, Additional Superintendent of Police ANM Wasif Feroz, officials from various government departments, student coordinators Mahmud Rafi, Mohammad Rasel and Jubaidul and journalists were present at that time.
The Adviser said the government has given clear instructions to the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection to conduct field-level operations through task forces. The Secretary of Ministry of Commerce is personally overseeing this work in Dhaka. The plan to deliver farmers' products directly to consumers through truck sales has been launched in Dhaka already. This needs to be implemented in Chattogram as well within a short time.
He said the administration must break the syndicates. Their sources should be identified, and if necessary, they must be arrested under Special Powers Act. No matter how powerful they are, resistance must be built against them to restore the market system to normalcy. By involving the private sector and entrepreneurs, we need to bypass the syndicates and move toward a permanent solution. Over the past few years, agricultural entrepreneurs, laborers, and the youth have played a leading role in production. The government and administration will provide the utmost support to ensure that no syndicate of businessmen can hinder their progress.
He further added there must be coordination among all the departments of the governments. Everyone must play an effective role to reduce the suffering of the people and bring relief to their life. Accountability and coordination between the relevant departments are essential in matters of commodity prices or law and order. This will increase motivation among the people and pave the way for the emergence of a new Bangladesh free from inequality.
