Bangladesh’s government has permitted green chilli imports and moved to reduce existing import taxes to curb rising prices. Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid announced the measures after visiting Shantinagar Kacha Bazar in the capital on August 2. He said imports would begin on Monday and expressed hope that prices would return to a tolerable level within two to five days.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muqtadir, the agriculture minister and State Minister for Food Md Abdul Bari inspected the market to review supplies, prices and overall conditions for essential goods. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam was also present. The ministers spoke with buyers and sellers and sought information on the availability and prices of different daily necessities.

Green chillies were selling for Tk320 to Tk380 per kilogram in different markets in the capital, after reaching as high as Tk400 several days earlier. Muqtadir said the government would take all necessary measures to keep market conditions tolerable for consumers. Officials hope the steps will normalize supplies of green chillies and other essential products and restore price stability.