TBM Report
Minister for Commerce, Textiles, Jute, and Industries, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, has assured that all industrial workers’ outstanding wages and salaries will be cleared before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Speaking after a coordination meeting with administrative officials at the Sylhet Circuit House on Saturday (February 28, 2026), the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a festive celebration for the labor force.
During the session, which also included Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, several critical national issues were addressed. Minister Muktadir clarified that the government has no plans to increase individual income tax; instead, it aims to enhance the Tax-to-GDP ratio by boosting overall economic revenue. He also highlighted that market prices remain stable during Ramadan and the government has initiated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with the European Union and other nations to tackle post-LDC challenges.
Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury shared optimistic news regarding the international labor market, stating that several closed markets are expected to reopen within a month. Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie took a hardline stance on corruption, asserting that river dredging and embankment projects will be strictly monitored under a “Zero Tolerance” policy. He vowed to safeguard public resources and pledged new projects to mitigate the chronic flood risks in the Sylhet region caused by mountain runoffs.
