Keeping food prices under control in Ramadan

The price of daily commodities has been soaring drastically in Bangladesh. And this trend of price hike can be called a dress rehearsal before the holy Ramadan month. It has become a regular phenomenon that the prices of essential food items will shoot up with the commencement of Ramadan. The authorities concerned make routine commitment of keeping the price level stable but fail utterly to fulfil it. As a result, consumers have to bear the brunt of soaring prices throughout the whole month. People from the low-income section of society suffer the most.

In Dhaka city, we can see that the middle- and low-income groups mainly become the victims of skyrocketing food prices. The soaring price of rice, cooking oil, vegetables, meat, and other commodities have already made their life unbearable. As the month of Ramadan is knocking at the door, they are going to face still harder times ahead. According to some economists, marginalised households in rural and urban areas face food inflation rates that are more than two times the officially reported figures.

Against this background, the authorities concerned should enhance vigilance both in wholesale and retail markets. The market monitoring teams should be empowered with adequate manpower and resources. The business community should also demonstrate the spirit of Ramadan and assist the government to keep the price of essential commodities affordable.

Md. Anwar Hosen,

Student of BBA,

North South University, Dhaka,

anwar.hosen@northsouth.edu