State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu has offered an apology for using the term 'subpar' to describe the quality of normal dates.
The apology comes in response to social media backlash directed at the commerce ministry for its use of the word 'subpar' in reference to the normal quality of dates.
The state minister made the statement during a press conference organised marking the World Consumer Rights Day at the ministry on Thursday (14 March) .
On 11 March, the commerce minister had sent two separate letters to the presidents of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI) and the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers’ Association, setting the prices for various types of dates.
In these letters, the price of 'very normal or subpar' dates was set at Tk150-Tk165 per kg, while the price of 'much consumed' Zahidi dates was fixed at Tk170-Tk180 per kg.
The use of the term 'subpar' sparked criticism on social media, with netizens questioning whether the government was endorsing the import of low-quality dates.
Subsequently, the commerce ministry amended the letter, replacing the term 'subpar' with 'normal standard'.