Government message is tough, yet the syndicate does not break!
In the manifesto issued before the 12th National Parliament elections, the ruling party Awami League had given special priority to 11 issues. Among them, the most important thing is the product price. The party announced in the manifesto that it would make every effort to keep the prices affordable for all.
The party has formed the government for the fourth consecutive time with an absolute majority in the elections. After the election on January 7, President Mohammad Sahabuddin administered the oath to 37 cabinet members including the Prime Minister on January 11 at Bangabhaban. Later on January 13, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the ministers to control the price of goods during Ramadan in an informal meeting after paying tributes at Bangabandhu's Mausoleum in Tungipara.
Later on 15 January in the first meeting of the cabinet, the matter also got importance. After the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary told the media that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given some instructions on her behalf. Most of them emphasized inflation or commodity price control. She (Prime Minister) directed the concerned ministries to make all efforts to control inflation or commodity prices.
Despite such strict instructions of the Prime Minister, its effect is not observed much in the market. The analysis of the TCB price list given on December 19 last year and January 19 this year shows that the prices of several other products have increased after the formation of the new government. Prices of rice, pulses, ginger and garlic have increased. Also on chicken, beef prices and additions. Winter vegetables are still out of reach of common people.
A price analysis of the TCB price list between December 19 and January 19 shows that the price of coarse rice has increased by 4.08 percent from Tk. 48-50 to Tk. 50-52 in the last one month. Fine rice increased by 5.38 percent from Tk. 60-70 to Tk. 62-75 per kg. Similarly, open flour has increased by 8 percent from Tk. 60-65 to Tk. 65-70 per kg. Mug dal increased by 13.04 percent from Tk. 95-135 to Tk. 100-160 per kg.
However, the price of potato and onion has decreased in the last one month. Potato prices have dropped by 28 percent from Tk. 60-65 and are now being sold at Tk. 40-50 per kg. On the other hand, local onions are being sold in the market at Tk. 70-80 per kg with a decrease of 31.82 percent. Also, the prices of almost all types of meat, including beef, chicken, have gone up. The prices of cardamom, cloves and other spices have fallen. The price of these commonly used spices has also increased.
However, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumdar has given a 4-day deadline for the government to reduce the price of rice and said that if the price of rice is not reduced within four days, legal action will be taken against the hoarders.
Despite the government's promises and such strict guidelines, the common hardworking people are in trouble due to the increase in commodity prices. Many of those whose families depend on their daily income, have now breathed a sigh of relief. Relief is not returning to the market.
Talking to retail traders and wholesale traders, it is known that there is no shortage of rice in the market, yet some mill owners and an unscrupulous business circle are increasing the price of rice by syndicate.
"The government only raids retailers and wholesale shops, there is no syndicate here. If the government conducts regular raids at the right places, the prices will come down," said a shopkeeper.
Rumi, who came to market in the capital's Ibrahimpur raw market, said that dishonest business syndicates are controlling the market and cutting the pockets of common people. Relief will not return to the market until they are suppressed. Whatever the government does, we want the price of goods to be affordable. Then we are happy.
Golam Rahman, President of Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) said to Barta24.com that the price will not increase in one day, nor will it decreases in one day. Time will see. If these 2/3 measures of monetary policy, digital monitoring and trade policy are taken together and all necessary steps are taken to keep the supply chain in order, the price will come down.'
Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nashim told Barta24.com, "All kinds of measures will be taken to control commodity prices. Wherever necessary, all necessary steps will be taken. No compromise will be made in this case. To reduce inflation by implementing monetary policy, to control the market, to manage the market properly, to syndicate the market and to make use of the government instruments for profit as well as to make people aware of the group. Public opinion will be developed so that people are aware of these issues."