Govt plans AI-based monitoring of essential commodity markets: Commerce minister
He also says the government has undertaken a Tk5,000 crore project to improve rural road infrastructure across Sylhet division.
Highlights:
- Govt plans AI-based monitoring of 30 essential commodity markets.
- AI system to help curb artificial shortages and abnormal price hikes.
- Govt working on pricing framework for sensitive essential commodities.
- Minister says media scrutiny can help enforce official LPG prices.
- Tk5,000 crore project launched to improve rural roads in Sylhet.
- Govt plans to expand two BSCIC industrial estates in Sylhet to 200 acres.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today (3 July) said the government is planning to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system to monitor the markets for 30 essential commodities, aiming to make market surveillance more institutional, data-driven and effective.
Speaking to reporters after a prize-giving ceremony organised by the Sylhet Sadar upazila administration to mark National Education Week 2026, the minister said several government agencies are already involved in monitoring commodity prices but AI technology would strengthen the process by enabling data-based decision-making.
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"Once the AI-based system is introduced, market monitoring will become more institutional, information-based and effective. It will enable the government to respond more quickly to artificial shortages, abnormal price hikes and market instability," he added.
Responding to a question on commodity pricing, Muktadir said prices of most goods in Bangladesh are determined by market forces. However, the government is working on a pricing framework for sensitive essential commodities to help stabilise the market.
On LPG prices, the minister said media scrutiny would help ensure retailers comply with the newly announced government price.
"Although there are complaints that some traders are still charging above the official rate, continued media attention will encourage them to lower prices," he said.
The minister also outlined several development initiatives for Sylhet, including improving irrigation and drainage systems to support agriculture, expanding infrastructure projects and transforming the region into one of Bangladesh's leading vegetable export hubs.
He also said the government has undertaken a Tk5,000 crore project to improve rural road infrastructure across Sylhet division and plans to expand the region's two Bscic industrial estates to a combined area of 200 acres to accelerate industrialisation.
