Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed yesterday told parliament that rice price would be slashed by Tk 6 per kg as the import duty on it has been reduced.

"The import duty on rice has been reduced to 10 percent from 28 percent as per the prime minister's instruction. The rice price will be reduced by Tk 6 per kg," he said while taking part in a discussion on the proposed national budget for 2017-18 fiscal.

Tofail said the rice price went up as the mill owners had discontinued normal supply to the market. Criticising those cabinet members who in the last several days lambasted Finance Minister AMA Muhith participating in the discussion on the proposed budget in parliament, Tofail said the budget had earlier been approved by the cabinet.

“If I've anything to say, the cabinet meeting is the proper place for it. Once the budget is passed (by the cabinet), MPs (not cabinet members) can place their suggestions on it."

Earlier several ministers, including Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury criticised Muhith for imposing additional excise duty on bank accounts and reducing interest rate on saving certificates.

Tofail also criticised Jatiya Party leaders Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu and Kazi Feroz Rashid for demanding resignation of Muhith and expressing doubt about his capacity due to old age.

"You raised question about the age of the finance minister, but you don't consider the age of your leader HM Ershad who is five years older than the finance minister. Why did you demand the resignation of the finance minister?" "He (Muhith) placed 12 budgets in parliament. He'll place more if Awami League is in power. The prime minister has trust in him," Tofail said.

Talking about recapitalising the state banks with public money, the minister said, "Tk 2,000 crore has been proposed for recapitalising the banks. But I don't support it. It's true that some accidents have taken place in banks. People do not expect such things."

The government will have to take pragmatic steps to prevent anomalies in the banking sector, Tofail added.