Price hike during month of fasting

The authorities concerned have already started assuring the public of the stability of prices of consumer goods during the month of Ramadhan. The holy month of fasting is only days away. But the seasoned sections of people cannot feel convinced. The reassuring words from various government bodies and business organisations on the eve of Ramadhan have become an annual exercise. These assurances meant for price hike-wary residents of Dhaka and other large cities continue to fill media outlets year in and year out. On the other hand, consumer rights platforms are seen organising rallies and roundtable meetings demanding preemptive actions to keep the prices under control. The market remains tranquil in the first few days of the Ramadhan. But all the preventive actions prove futile in a week as the fasting people start feeling the pinch of the spiralling prices, especially those of ingredients required for preparing Iftar and Sehri.

In a civilised country consumers are given large price reductions on religious occasions. It does happen in Bangladesh prior to the Eid festival. A number of retailers come up with gala 'sale' programmes, with chain shops attracting clients with offers of reductions. But these gestures become meaningless with exorbitant prices besetting the fasting people. In reality, the Eid festival is specially meant for them. By causing sufferings to these people during the observance of their rites, the market manipulating racketeers detract from the sanctity of Ramadhan. The price hiking syndicates are responsible for creating impediments for people to their tension- free fasting.

S.M. Tipu Sultan

Chashara, Narayanganj