Redeeming the promises of price normalisation
Monday, 9 August 2010
As the prices of essential commodities continue to rise, the ordinary people in greater numbers will be sliding back to the poverty trap. Those who could earlier be lifted out of the poverty tangle will, thus, again be back to the same as their purchasing power is eroded fast by the soaring prices of many essential items that are needed for their survival. The erosion of purchasing power from relentless rise in prices of basic consumer essentials is a matter of utmost concern.
The price rise has badly battered all classes of people but specially 40 per cent of the population who are the poor, are the worst sufferers. Price control is persisting as a huge demand in the country. Despite all its promise about curbing price-rise, the 'grand alliance' government is yet to demonstrate its capacity to help tame the price.
The challenge of keeping its promise is becoming a daunting one for the government. Promising was so easy. But keeping it has turned out to be the most difficult part. Prices of certain kitchen commodities, particularly on the eve of Ramadan, are shooting up. But nobody knows anything as the justification for the same. As the government's various pledges of price control before Ramadan are getting swept away like a flood from the scheming and profiteering activities of some unscrupulous businesses, the ordinary people have fallen victims to dirty machinations of the vested interests in the marketing chain. The government must not waste any time to act decisively against such vested interests, if it really wants to protect the interests of the concerned people. People expect quick and effective actions.
Md Ibrahim
Azimpur Staff Quarters
Dhaka
The price rise has badly battered all classes of people but specially 40 per cent of the population who are the poor, are the worst sufferers. Price control is persisting as a huge demand in the country. Despite all its promise about curbing price-rise, the 'grand alliance' government is yet to demonstrate its capacity to help tame the price.
The challenge of keeping its promise is becoming a daunting one for the government. Promising was so easy. But keeping it has turned out to be the most difficult part. Prices of certain kitchen commodities, particularly on the eve of Ramadan, are shooting up. But nobody knows anything as the justification for the same. As the government's various pledges of price control before Ramadan are getting swept away like a flood from the scheming and profiteering activities of some unscrupulous businesses, the ordinary people have fallen victims to dirty machinations of the vested interests in the marketing chain. The government must not waste any time to act decisively against such vested interests, if it really wants to protect the interests of the concerned people. People expect quick and effective actions.
Md Ibrahim
Azimpur Staff Quarters
Dhaka