Bazar Syndicate
Dismantle the potato syndicate
Potato is an essential vegetable in our lives. There is hardly any dish that does not include potato. After rice, potato is probably the most in-demand food item. It is often said that Bengalis live on fish and rice, but it would not be an exaggeration to say that they live on rice and potatoes. Now-a-days, many Bengalis no longer eat fish regularly, but it is hard to imagine a day without potato. When there are no other vegetables at home, many families simply make mashed potatoes and have it with rice. However, even this simple potato is now out of reach for many. At the retail level, the price of potato is currently 70 to 75 taka per kilogram, which is almost the same as the price of fine rice and even more expensive than coarse rice. In such a situation, low-income families have to carefully calculate whether they can afford potatoes at all.
Political shifts occur, but market syndicates persist
It has been less than two and a half months since the interim government took charge, making it premature to conduct an in-depth analysis of its successes or failures. This government assumed responsibility amid complex challenges in both the political and economic realms. Its primary duty is to enact effective reforms in political and economic sectors to facilitate broad-based, participatory national elections that are considered credible both nationally and internationally. With this objective, the government has embarked on various reform initiatives, forming several committees to propose recommendations, which are expected within the next three months.
Factors behind rising vegetable costs in Kartik
The month of Kartik is upon us, a time often associated with crisis in rural Bengal. In the northern regions of the country, this period is referred to as "Monga kal," or the season of famine. During this time, agricultural activities decrease, leading to a reduction in the earnings of farm laborers. The Aman rice is in its growing stage, and there is less variety of other crops available. The supply of summer vegetables significantly diminishes, hitting rock bottom. Seasonal vegetables begin to appear only towards the end of Kartik, with their supply increasing in late Hemanta, or early Agrahayan.
Govt to query whether BNP connected to syndicates: Quader
Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the government is trying to identify those who are involved in market syndicates and hoarders.
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