Staff Reporter:  Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi today said the  imported eggs would arrive in the country within the next three to four days. The minister said this to the reporters after inaugurating the sale  operations of TCB's commodities including rice at affordable prices to some
one crore family card holders across the country for the month of October in front of the ward councilor's office (Number 15) adjacent to Dhanmondi Lake  (Dingi) in the capital today.

He said considering the current egg market situation, some 15 companies have already been allowed to import 15 crore pieces of eggs in order to increase  the supply of eggs in the market and thus keeping the market price stable.

Out of these, some seven firms and companies have opened up LCs. The first  consignment of imported eggs is expected to arrive in the country within this  week, hoped Minister.

In this regard, he further said that several conditions have been imposed for importing each consignment of eggs. One of which is that a certificate,  notifying the consignment free from avian influenza or bird flu virus and  harmful bacteria, authenticated by the government of the exporting country must be submitted.

The Commerce Minister said since eggs were not imported before in the  country, it is taking some time for the importers to get this certificate  leading to delay in import of eggs.

When asked whether the government would allow import of potatoes, he said,  "We haven't yet decided to allow the import of potatoes in the country. We've  information that there is sufficient stock of potatoes in the country. Market  monitoring is going on. If the price of potatoes goes up further, then the  matter will be discussed with the agriculture minister and thus initiatives  will be taken to import potatoes if necessary."

Earlier, in the speech as the Chief Guest, the Commerce Minister said that  following instructions from the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government  is selling essential commodities at affordable prices to some one crore family card holders of the country through Trading Corporation of Bangladesh  (TCB).

Alongside edible oil, sugar, lentil, rice is being sold among the family card  holders from July. Besides, onion will be sold among the beneficiaries from  this month which will be limited initially in the capital.

The Premier, considering the wellbeing of the poor and helpless people who live below the poverty line, decided to give one crore family cards benefitting some five crore people with daily essentials at a low price, he said.

"We know that due to global factors, the prices of several essential commodities have increased. The government is trying its best to keep it  within the reach of the common people. But, the prices of imported goods have  to be adjusted with the international market. For which it is not being
possible to reduce the prices of those items despite our sincere desire," Tipu continued.

The Commerce Minister said the Directorate of National Consumer Rights  Protection (DNCRP) has been conducting its monitoring activities tirelessly  to control the market.

He said in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the  distribution of TCB cards, the work on converting some one crore family cards  into smart cards is in the final stage.

"We hope to start the distribution operations of these smart cards by the end  of this month. This is also a part of building Smart Bangladesh," he added.

Senior Secretary of Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh spoke on the occasion  as the special guest.

TCB Chairman Brigadier General Md. Ariful Hasan and Dhaka North City  Corporation (DNCC) Ward No. 15 councilor Rafiqul Islam Babla were present,  among others, on the occasion.