Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Friday said the government currently has no plans to increase oil prices, as it continues to provide subsidies despite fluctuations in the international market.
The minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a day-long free medical camp, family planning, mother and child care, and eye camp for tea workers.
The event was held at Sylhet Government High School in Lakkaturath, Sylhet Sadar upazila.
Addressing international trade concerns, the minister clarified that following 150-day period under previously announced US tariff laws, the same duties have been reinstated under a new name.
He emphasised that this is essentially a “replacement” of the old tariff and that no new additional duties have been imposed, meaning there is no practical change to the tariff situation.
Muktadir further highlighted that the healthcare sector is at the top of the government’s priority list. He announced that budget allocations for both the health and education sectors will be increased step-by-step to 5 per cent of the GDP.
Reflecting on the initiatives taken over the last five months, Muktadir noted that several steps have been taken to expand healthcare services in Sylhet. This includes the approval of a 250-bed hospital, which is currently in progress.
The health centres will soon be established within tea garden areas so that residents no longer need to travel to the city for general medical treatment.
The event was presided over by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdul Al Mamun and conducted by Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khushnoor Rubaiyath.
Special guests at the ceremony included Advocate Emran Ahmad Chowdhury, lawmaker for Sylhet-6; Abdul Qaiyum Chowdhury, administrator of Sylhet City Corporation; Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi, chairman of Sylhet Development Authority; Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim, administrator of Sylhet Zila Parishad; Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, administrator of Sunamganj Zila Parishad; and Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of Sylhet Medical University.
Other notable attendees included Imdad Hossain Chowdhury, general secretary of Metropolitan BNP; Abul Kashem, president of Sadar Upazila BNP; Azizur Rahman, general secretary; and Shafiqur Rahman, chairman of Tuker Bazar Union Parishad.
