The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) urged the people to refrain from panic buying as the country has enough food stock ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The directive came from a preparatory meeting held at the PMO in capital Dhaka on Sunday ahead of the Ramadan and the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.
According to available information received from different ministries, the country has enough food in stock compared to any time of the past ahead of the Ramadan. There will be no problem if everyone buys commodities they required instead of buying excessive food at a time.
The prices of all essentials have already shot up abnormally ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. Prices of most vegetables have doubled in the capital’s kitchen markets.
There has not been much reflection on the market what the government is claiming in terms of stock and market monitoring. Prices of various essential commodities are skyrocketing in the kitchen market with the month of Ramadan nearing fast, despite government’s assurance to keep the Ramadan market stable.
The government must take
adequate steps to check
the price hike of essentials
Consumers alleged traders suddenly hiked the prices of vegetables without showing any valid reasons. A section of dishonest traders adopted the strategy to raise the prices of vegetables and other essentials well ahead of Ramadan so that they do not need to increase the prices during the holy month. In the past they used to hike prices during Ramadan month but now they are doing it well ahead of Ramadan.
Consumers cooperative and farmers’ cooperative will have to be formed to deal with the middlemen which may help reduce prices alongside ensuring the fair shares of farmers.
Local administration will also have to monitor the prices of essentials at all major markets of capital Dhaka, other metropolitan cites, district towns and upazila headquarters throughout the holy month properly.
The government must take adequate steps to check the price hike of essentials through monitoring the market.
In this regard, the hoarders, who are trying to stock essential goods, must be identified, arrested and brought to justice. We hope that the current volatile situation in the market will no longer exist and it will soon become stable.
