TDS Desk:

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said, the overall food situation is currently satisfactory, although whether this is reflected in the market is a separate matter. He also reassured that the country’s food stock is in a strong position.

Salehuddin Ahmed made these remarks after the meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee on Wednesday.

The government’s goal is to ensure a regular supply of food, with another key objective being the maintenance of a buffer stock in government warehouses. Without such reserves, the private sector could seize the opportunity to manipulate the market in various ways, the Adviser said

The increase in VAT is unrelated to the dearness allowance or IMF recommendations. Bangladesh is the lowest VAT paying country. Which other country charges such little? It is unrealistic to expect positive outcomes with such low taxes, he said.

He emphasized that VAT has not been increased on essential items, stating, “Where in the world can you buy glasses for 125 taka? You expect to spend 600-700 taka on food and not pay VAT? You want expensive coffee but hesitate to pay 15 taka in VAT? Such attitudes create difficulties.”

When the Interim Government took office, a $135 million LNG bill was due, which has now been paid. Russia used to say, you are not paying for wheat. We understand what the situation was during the previous ousted government, he added.