Bangladesh demotes minister as prices rise

DHAKA, Apr 25 (Reuters) Bangladesh has demoted Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury amid growing criticism over rising prices of food and other commodities, a government statement said today.

Chowdhury was made a minister without portfolio, it said, adding that Water Resources Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed had been given the additional commerce duties.

Chowdhury, a retied air force chief and former home minister, was not immediately available for comment.

The decisions came at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday.

Commodity prices have risen by up to 40 percent since January while electricity is in short supply.

REUTERS SI KN1254