, Oct. 8 -- The government is taking various measures to ensure adequate supplies of essential commodities and reasonable prices for consumers during the upcoming Ramadan, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Thursday.

Initiatives are being taken to rationalise duties on fruits and dates, lower interest rates on bank loans for importing consumer goods, and remove obstacles to transportation and clearance of imported products, he said.

The minister came up with the information while speaking at a discussion with traders and importers on ensuring the supply of essential commodities and market stability, organised by the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at the World Trade Center in Chattogram.

The governmen...