KHULNA, Mar 06 (UNB): In a commendable initiative to alleviate the burden on low-income families during the holy month of Ramadan, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Khulna has started selling essential commodities at cost price in various parts of the city.
In a bid to curb the escalating prices, which had risen before Ramadan, the administration has also stepped up its monitoring efforts.
Locals said that the move has borne fruit as locals have observed a reduction in prices, making basic food items more affordable for everyone, especially those from lower-income groups.
Meanwhile, Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Firoz Sarker, accompanied by Khulna Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam and executive magistrates, has been personally overseeing the monitoring of kitchen markets daily.
The students' initiative is seen as a welcome relief, with locals expressing their gratitude for these efforts.
The market stalls, located at Shibbari Intersection, are run by a group of youths from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement's Market Control Task Force. The youths are selling 16 essential items at a cost price, with the aim of alleviating the pressures of rising prices. Items on sale include potatoes at Tk 17 per kg, local onions at Tk 35, cucumbers at Tk 25, eggplants at Tk 50, chickpeas at Tk 95, puffed rice at Tk 65, and gram flour at Tk 60, among others. The price list also includes soybean oil at Tk 175 per litre and eggs at Tk 10 each.
Hridoy Gharami, a member of the Market Control Task Force, explained that this initiative is a continuation of similar efforts launched last October.
The initiative, which gained positive feedback, had aimed to counter price manipulation by market syndicates. But with unscrupulous traders once again hiking prices during Ramadan, the students have resumed their operations to help keep prices under control.
"We have resumed this initiative to help people access essential goods at affordable prices during Ramadan," said Gharami. "The shop at Shibbari Mor is now operational, and we plan to expand to other locations to serve even more people."
The non-profit shops are open daily from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and the students have pledged to continue their efforts throughout the month of Ramadan.
Saim Mallik, a Khulna University student and member of the Market Monitoring Control Team, expressed concerns over the role of middlemen in driving up commodity prices.
He reaffirmed the students' commitment to keeping prices fair and accessible for the public.
