The prices of essential commodities are increasing due to extortion in the kitchen markets of the capital city.
This is placing a heavy burden on individuals who have a meager income.
Dhaka-6 constituency Member of Parliament Mohammad Sayeed Khokon made this comment while distributing ‘Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Gift’ food items among 800 families at Narendra Nath Basak Lane, Wari in the capital on Monday. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has allocated the food items for Dhaka-6 Constituency.
Mentioning toll collection at kitchen markets as extortion, Mohammad Sayeed Khokon said, “Extortion under the guise of toll collection is driving up the costs of essentials.
Extortion is continuing in different markets in this area too. After paying house rent, people have very little money left in their hand. With this they are struggling to survive.”
He said, “From loading and unloading to the buying and selling of vegetables, chickens, and other items, extortion exists everywhere. Such wrongdoing tarnishes the government’s reputation and undermines the positive efforts of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This illicit activity must cease immediately.”
“While the government is actively extending assistance to alleviate the suffering of the poor, the misconduct of a few individuals casts doubt on the government’s development. To alleviate people’s suffering, we must unite and adhere to the directives of our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he added.
“We hope the prices of essentials will come under control within a few days. We are continuously trying to uphold our progress,” he added further.
Addressing a police officer present on the stage Khokon said, “As a public representative, take steps to stop this extortion immediately. We do not want to see the suffering of the poor. We cannot tolerate the suffering of the poor. With the Prime Minister working tirelessly, such chaos cannot persist. It must be swiftly put to an end and prevented from recurring.”
He called upon those who engage in extortion under the banner of political party affiliation to stand beside the mass people also.
