Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, the interim government's finance and planning adviser, emphasized that the top priority is to streamline trade and bring down the cost of goods.
"As an economist, I am confident that I can reduce prices immediately, leading to positive changes in the business environment," he told reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday.
Dr Salehuddin added: "By maintaining production and supply while ensuring consistent market monitoring, we can decrease prices. The public will soon see the benefits."
Addressing his meeting with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), he said: "The ADB has extended its congratulations to the interim government and pledged continued cooperation. The World Bank has also expressed its commitment to work with us."
The economic and trade adviser said that after one group leaves, another group comes and demands extortion money.
When asked about the role of the government in controlling syndicates, the adviser said: "In Kawran Bazar, a product changes hands four times. These are 'pre-emptive money' – you sell at this price, and you'll get that amount. This is how the money is collected.
“We need to stop this. Extortion happens, it costs Tk7,000 for a truck to reach Dhaka. However, this is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce or the Ministry of Finance. I will discuss this with those who are responsible," he added.
Regarding the assurance of no new extortionists emerging after the student-led upheaval, the adviser said: " I have instructed that the deputy commissioner be informed immediately to investigate and ensure that legitimate businesses are not obstructed. I know that when one group leaves, a new group will emerge."
When asked if any instructions were given to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), he said: "Immediately, some items need to be sold in the open market."
He also said that expecting everything to be resolved in one day is unrealistic. "If everything is abruptly halted, innocent people will suffer."
At this time, an official mentioned that due to security reasons, TCB's distribution is on hold. They are monitoring the situation and it will be resumed very soon.