The government has taken initiative to import some 52,000 metric tonnes of onion from India against the LCs opened earlier in a bid to curtail the price of the essential item.
The Ministry of Commerce has already sent a letter to the Bangladesh High Commission to take the necessary steps in this regard.
Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh confirmed the matter. “We have taken various initiatives to keep the price of onion under control. An initiative has been taken to import 52,000 metric tonnes of onion from India,” he said.
Meanwhile, the deputy commissioners (DCs) across the country have been asked to ensure strict monitoring
in their respective areas so that onion is being sold at the kitchen market at a rational price.
The price of onion increased abnormally in the local market after India extended its ban on onion export till March. However, before the ban was imposed, LCs were opened in Bangladesh for importing some 52,000 metric tonnes of onion from India. The government has now initiated the process of importing that quantity of onion from India soon.
Tapan Kanti Ghosh said that LCs were opened earlier before the ban was slapped by the neighbouring country. “Efforts are also on to increase the import of onion from alternate countries. Alongside these, the sale of onion will continue among the low-income group of people by the TCB,” said the Commerce Secretary.
He also said that the DCs have been asked to monitor the selling of onion at a rational price in the districts.
He called upon the business community of the country to become more responsible so that the common people do not suffer from the higher prices of essential items. “It is not always right that the government will fix everything. The businessmen will also have to perceive that businesses are meant for the country's people. The Indian government banned the export of onion one day while the price of onion soars in our country on the other day. It is not responsible behavior from the business community,” said Tapan Kanti Ghosh.
