AI to monitor essential commodity markets to prevent artificial crises: Commerce Minister

The government plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor markets for essential commodities and prevent artificial crises and abnormal price hikes, Industries and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a prize distribution ceremony on the occasion of National Education Week-2026 at the Sylhet Sadar Upazila Auditorium on Friday afternoon, July 3.

The minister said the government is initially planning to monitor the market situation of 30 essential commodities using AI technology. This system will analyse production, potential weather impacts, international markets, import requirements and supply chains to enable timely decision-making.

He said the AI-based system would make market monitoring more institutional, data-driven and effective. If artificial crises, abnormal price hikes or market instability occur, the government would be able to take swift action.

On education and health, Muktadir said the government is giving these two sectors the highest priority. Work is underway to ensure 5 per cent of GDP allocation for both education and health sectors.

He also informed that plans are in place to construct multi-storey buildings at every upazila parishad to provide various citizen services under one roof. Existing teaching centres in tea garden areas will gradually be upgraded to primary and, where necessary, secondary schools. Health centres and ambulance services will also be introduced there.

On the export situation, the minister said exports have declined not only in Bangladesh but in many countries around the world. The government is working to reopen industries that had been shut down due to energy issues.

He also shared plans to expand two BSCIC industrial areas in Sylhet to 200 acres, which he hopes will accelerate industrialisation in the region.