Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Wednesday expressed his anticipation regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to Rangpur, marking her return after 11 years.
He revealed that she will address a mass gathering at the district school ground, and he believed she will bring many pieces of good news for the region. However, he urged everyone to patiently wait and hear the good news directly from her.
The minister recalled that during her last visit 11 years ago, she announced the responsibility of developing the entire northern region, including Rangpur, and had fulfilled all her promises.
"I hope she will once again surprise us with new initiatives," he said while exchanging views with reporters during his inspection of the stage construction and other activities for the August 2 mass rally at Rangpur Zilla School ground.
Tipu Munshi mentioned various demands they have for the region, including the construction of a dam on the Teesta river, implementation of the master plan, establishment of an industrial belt, and gas supply, among others.
Speaking about the impact of international market fluctuations, the commerce minister pointed out that despite the prices of daily essentials, especially pulses, sugar, and soybean oil decreasing in the global market, they have not decreased proportionately in the country.
He blamed the manipulation of unscrupulous traders for this situation. However, he assured that efforts were being made to control the prices of essential items through various consumer rights organizations.
In terms of poverty alleviation measures, Tipu Munshi highlighted that the government is providing affordable rice and other products to 10 million people, benefiting around 50 million citizens in total, while addressing the challenges posed by 35 million people currently living below the poverty line in the country.
