At a time when the World Food Program (WFP) has expressed fears of a food crisis and famine in the country and in the world amid extreme coronavirus epidemic, the prices of daily commodities, including rice, have come down in Bangladesh. The prices of all types of rice have dropped over a last few days in the capital. Depending on variety, rice is now being sold at least taka three to four less per kilogram than the prices weeks ago.
Undoubtedly, bumper yields of Boro have had a positive impact on the rice market. Even though the prices of rice have come down, the authorities have increased the prices and the targeted amount of government procurement of paddy and rice, so the farmers get good price of their produce this time.
As a result of selling rice at Tk 10
per kg in the open market, the working
people are able to reap the benefits
Apart from this, as a result of selling rice at Tk 10 per kg in the open market, the working people are able to reap the benefits. Along with this, the prices of pulses, sugar, ginger, edible oil and some other daily commodities have come down. Undoubtedly, it can be said that the Eid festival of working people and the unemployed will pass with comparatively better moments.
It has to be acknowledged that the market situation is normal this time with various sincere initiatives of the government including TCB. Every year, with Ramadan and Eid in mind, dishonest traders, importers, hoarders, wholesalers and retailers get desperate to make a mint by manipulating prices of daily commodities. But price manipulation is less evident this time. As a result, people from all walks of life are getting the benefits.
There must be profit and loss in trade and business. But all this has to be done under ethics, honesty and rules. Bangladesh has shortcomings to a large extent in this regard. The government and the Ministry of Commerce have to move forward with a strict attitude in market monitoring and price control.