The government should take immediate action against the hoarders who are mainly responsible for the hike in rice prices. The food, commerce, agriculture and home ministries must conduct a market survey to find out the reasons for the soaring prices of the staple food.
The prices of all varieties of rice have shot up in the country’s wholesale and retail markets even during this peak season of Aman paddy. In the retail market, rice was selling at rates between Tk 50 to Tk 80 per kg in the last one week, according to media reports.
This upward trend of rice prices has taken a heavy toll on the low-income group people who are already in grip of price hike of the daily essentials. It is very unfortunate that when the prices of rice should come down during the peak Aman season, it continues to show an upward trend, affecting the low-income people.
The harvest of Aman paddy has already been completed across the country. Earlier, the authorities concerned said the rice prices would decline gradually when the harvesting will begin in full swing.
The prices of all varieties of rice
have shot up in the
country’s wholesale and retail markets
even during this peak
season of Aman paddy
It is usual that rice prices start coming down with the arrival of newly harvested Aman paddy in the market, bringing comfort to the people. But this time, the scenario is completely opposite as prices of all varieties of rice has gone up, despite adequate foodgrain stock.
A section of millers, hoarders, traders and farmers are now busy hoarding paddy to sell it later at higher rates to make a quick buck.
The ministries concerned will have to issue necessary directives to the deputy commissioners and concerned officials to tame rice price hike. They will also have to inspect the wholesale markets to monitor prices of rice and submit reports in this regard.
The authorities must also take stern legal action against those who will be found responsible for making rice market unstable. We think the millers, hoarders and traders should look into the interests of people avoiding their profit-making attitude.
