Check price hike of essentials before Ramadan

The incident has not yet been reported in any media; but in many areas, especially in Dhaka city, many grocery stores do not sell soybean oil openly; they sell it secretly to known customers. The reason behind this oil crisis can certainly be guessed. Many wholesale and grocery store owners are stocking up on the oil keeping in mind the price hike of soybean oil ahead of Ramadan. As per our experience, the artificial shortage of various products is being created in the market a week before Ramadan, especially in the case of milk, eggs, chicken, bananas, brinjals, cucumbers, lemons, etc. The fish market is also a bit high. How much more the prices of these products will increase will be understood by the next Friday and Saturday.

The government has repeatedly said that strict action will be taken against those who try to create an artificial shortage or syndicate in the market during Ramadan. However, some products always see prices hike, but the government cannot do anything. As many goods don’t have any fixed prices, the prices of those goods are immediately determined by the negotiations between the buyers and the sellers. For example, bananas, cucumbers, brinjals, lemons, etc. The prices of pulses, milk, eggs, and chicken can be fixed at a certain rate, but the prices of some vegetables cannot be fixed in that way. We hope that the government will pay attention to this issue this time too. No seller should be able to increase the price of any product unnecessarily by taking advantage of the urgent needs of the buyer.

According to the media report, many deputy commissioners are taking strict measures to control the prices of goods in their areas. Patuakhali DC told the media: "There is no need to know who did what during the fascist government. However, if someone tries to hold the common people hostage during the current government, the administration will take strict action according to the law. If the traders have any problems, then discuss the issue with the administration. We will cooperate to the fullest extent. However, if someone creates an artificial crisis, then no concessions will be made."

We applaud this initiative. Other District Administrators should also take such initiatives now. If effective steps are not taken now, it will be difficult to prevent the price hike once Ramadan begins. We know that the price of edible oil has been increased a few days ago. If it is increased again during Ramadan, it will be unfair. For this, the administration and law enforcement agencies must be vigilant now. In addition, both buyers and sellers must remember that Ramadan is a holy month, and the purpose of this month is to fast. The prices of daily necessities and food shouldn't increase suddenly during this month. The religion teaches that everyone should be patient and maintain business integrity during the month of Ramadan.