Commerce Secretary calls for technology-driven market monitoring

Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan has stressed the need for a more coordinated, effective and technology-driven market monitoring system, emphasising stronger inter-agency cooperation and enhanced leadership skills among field-level team leaders.

He made the remarks while presiding over a workshop titled "Capacity Building for Team Leaders Engaged in Market Monitoring" at the Ministry of Commerce conference room on Sunday.

The Commerce Secretary said all agencies involved in market surveillance are working towards a common objective of ensuring market stability and protecting consumers. He noted that the key challenge lies not in institutional capacity but in ensuring effective coordination, close cooperation and swift decision-making at the field level.

"Motivation is not merely a concept; it must be translated into practical action plans and implemented effectively on the ground. Exchanging experiences and adopting best practices can make market management more dynamic and efficient," he said.

Ataur Rahman Khan said market monitoring is primarily carried out by the Ministry of Commerce and the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, alongside several other government ministries and agencies. He described market oversight as a shared responsibility requiring coordinated field operations, rapid response and accountable implementation.

Addressing the team leaders, he said leadership must be efficient, timely and results-oriented, urging them to resolve coordination gaps promptly to ensure smooth and effective field operations.

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He also highlighted that small but successful initiatives by individual departments collectively strengthen the country's overall market management system, underscoring the importance of professionalism and accountability among government officials.

The Commerce Secretary further revealed plans, in line with the vision of Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, to modernise market monitoring through advanced digital technologies.

He said the ministry will soon begin developing a Power App, introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model for the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), and upgrade the existing market monitoring application to make it more efficient and user-friendly.

He added that these initiatives are expected to significantly enhance field-level market surveillance and improve regulatory efficiency.

Among those attending the workshop were Additional Secretary (IIT) Shibir Bichitra Barua, Acting Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Sebastian Rema, and senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and the directorate.