Hinting at the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said on Monday urged all to be economical as there is some crisis ahead.

Russia-Ukraine war has had a huge impact on the food products, he said.

“There is nothing to be afraid of the ongoing situation in Sri Lanka. Many are saying that Bangladesh can be in such a situation. But there is no such possibility. In fact, we have provided financial assistance to Sri Lanka,” he said while addressing a dialogue organised by Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat in Dhaka, UNB reports.

Tipu Munshi said the government is trying to import wheat from five alternative sources, including Ukraine after India banned the exports of the food grain.

India has announced a ban on wheat exports amid the devaluation of taka against the US dollar, he said while addressing a dialogue organised by Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat.

“But hopefully, India will consider it in case of neighbouring countries. We are continuing negotiations,” he added.

The minister said the government, instead of controlling the market of daily commodities, should work to keep it stable.

“We are business friendly. We fix the price in line with the global market. If there is a fixed price in the market, the market will remain stable,” said the minister.

He said when the situation in the global market is stable and the domestic market also stays stable.

There is a minor issue with the prices of edible oil, sugar and lentils.

“We have to import 90 per cent of the edible oil. The price increases in our country in line with the global market,” he added.

Presided over by BSRF President Tapan Biswas, the dialogue was moderated by BSRF General Secretary Masudul Hoque.