Speakers at a human chain in Chattogram city on Thursday expressed deep concern over the abnormal rise in rice prices and demanded immediate government measures to control the rice market.
They alleged that unscrupulous traders are manipulating prices at will amid lax market monitoring.
The human chain was arranged by Bangladesh Food Security Network (KHANI), Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Chattogram, ISDE Bangladesh, and Pran on Jamal Khan Press Club premises. Youth CAB Chattogram Metropolitan President Abu Hanif Noman moderated the event.
Citing official data, speakers said rice prices alone contributed nearly 40% to the country’s food inflation in May 2025 despite sufficient Boro season production.
They blamed weak market monitoring, increased milling costs, price instability at the paddy level, and hoarding by corporate groups and millers for the soaring prices.
They said lower- and middle-income people, struggling with stagnant incomes, are being forced to rely solely on rice while cutting out essential nutrition such as fish, meat, pulses, and vegetables.
This is creating long-term malnutrition and health risks especially for children and the elderly,” said KHANI General Secretary Nurul Alam Masud.
Quoting the UN Food Agency data, they said around 20% of Bangladesh’s population faces food insecurity with 3 out of 10 people unable to meet daily nutritional needs.
The World Food Programme 2024 data shows that the monthly cost for minimum calorie-based meals stands at Tk 3,051 per person—69.5% higher than the food poverty line.
