Rice price is increasing recently in the market as an unscrupulous syndicate has become active again to raise the prices of the staple.
They are trying to increase the rice price despite government measures to bring normalcy in the market.
According to an intelligence report, the influential syndicate allegedly consisted of Abdur Rashid of Kushtia (the owner of the country’s largest rice mill), Alhaj Belal Hossain of Naogaon and Erfan Ali of Chapainawabganj.
Recently, a government intelligence agency submitted a report to the Home Ministry.
But no action has yet been taken. However, the authorities concerned have been asked to take legal action after proper investigation against the crooked syndicate.
According to market data, it was learnt that the rice market is still high as before although prices of paddy are cheap for some days.
The price of fine rice in particular has increased by Tk 6 to Tk 10 per kilogram. The price of coarse rice has gone up by Tk 2 to Tk 4 per kg. The common people suffer much for this increase.
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), Miniket rice was selling at Tk 65 to Tk 68 per kg which was Tk 55 to Tk 56 a month ago. The price has increased by at least Tk 10. The price of coarse rice has increased to Tk 52 which was Tk 47 per kg a few days ago.
According to experts, monitoring should be intensified to see whether any mills or individual is illegally hoarding rice or paddy against the government rule.
Earlier, while talking to Bangladesh Post, Food Secretary Dr Mosammat Nazmunara Khanam said, “No one will be allowed to stock rice or paddy illegally. If anyone found doing such misdeed will be brought to book.”
According to government data, there is no shortage of rice in the country.
Bumper yield of rice has also been achieved in the last Boro and Aus seasons.
Now there is Aman paddy in the field. The Ministry of Agriculture hopes for bumper Aman production if there are no floods.
According to rice traders, for last few days, the price of rice has been showing an upward trend in different rice producing districts and mills. Unscrupulous traders, including owners of auto rice mills, have been accused of raising prices by creating an artificial crisis through huge stocks of paddy.
President of Bangladesh Auto Rice Mill Owner’s Association Khorshed Alam told Bangladesh Post, “When a season ends, it is normal that price goes up. But such price spiral is unexpected when the country does not have any food deficit.”
He also said, “Lack of coordination among the ministries is also responsible for price spiral. Besides, authorities concerned should not allow rice mill owners to import rice. Some rice mill owners who import rice, later changing the sacks said those were produced in the country. This is also a crime, which should not be neglected.”