Torments from prices

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PEOPLE are very keen for relief from arbitrary price rises. If asked to state what is among their highest wishes, the greatest number in the country would very probably mention that normalisation of prices of essential commodities as one of these wishes. Nothing would be more welcome and helpful for the vast number of the poor, nearly poor and the lower middle classes in the country than the prices of essential goods and services coming down within their purchasing power.
People in the country had hoped that the present interim government would act in line with what is at the top of their need hierarchy -price control and smashing to bits of the hated syndicates which, so far, squeezed out billions and billions of Taka from them through deliberate and completely unjustified price manipulations. But prices, specially of essential goods, are continuing to rise in much the same fashion as in the past. Steps against rotten food importers and the like have been noted. But people are yet to see the prices coming down to a reasonable level.
Who are responsible for the price-hike? Which factors are causing price to move upward? Should the price situation be explained in terms of international situation or domestic factors? All such questions do need to be examined in details.
Now that the month of Ramadan is drawing closer, the government should take allout measures to tame the price situation. The strengthening of marketing operation by the BDR is a welcome step in this direction. But it would be watched by all concerned whether this step will alone help to contain the price pressures which are adversely affecting the common people.

Md Obayadullah
Banani, Dhaka