A few days ago, the government has increased the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). There are also proposals to increase the price of domestic pipeline natural gas. The prices of rice, lentil, edible oil and vegetables are also increasing. In November, the government increased the price of fuel oil on the pretext of price hike in the international market, brushing away the objections of various quarters. In this situation, the life of people affected by the pandemic is undoubtedly becoming more difficult. On one hand, their income has decreased, on the other; price has been taking a toll on them.
We have observed that whenever the government raises the price of essential utility services, the prices of almost all the vital commodities went up. This year, even rice prices continue to rise during the peak season, though the government claims the country has record rice stocks. So why are the prices rising? However, there are also speculations of manipulation of hoarders and mill owners in this regard, but there is no precedent of taking any action against anyone. In January, the Energy Ministry also proposed to increase the price of natural gas. However, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission rejected the proposal on the grounds that it was not well thought out. Now the ministry is reportedly preparing to increase the price. Dhaka WASA, though failing to supply quality water, on Wednesday proposed to increase the price of water by 40 per cent.
According to news reports, traders have been increasing the price of edible oil in the name of international market. On February 6, the price of this cooking ingredient went up again. The prices of vegetables are usually lower in winter season. But this time the price of vegetables is also high. There is no answer to the question as to why this situation has arisen. The concerned authorities should intensify market surveillance so that no one can raise prices by creating artificial crisis. Besides, the government should sell adequate products in the open market at low prices through its own channel. The small amount of products currently sold through TCB has not had any effect on the kitchen market.
The government is going on lying as it’s strength. They see BNP as the only enemy to fight. The government does not care the miseries the people are going through the government in disarray. The government is concerned about their inability to control the market. The government is still facilitating corruption by taking up projects not useful for the current economic crisis. We wish the government should give attention to minimise the production cost and steps up market monitoring through addressing corruption, inefficiency and irregularities. The government is too much dependent on their own lies of success while the government is disintegrating. The government is confident about robbing the election to remain in power and public suffering is not their problem. The world is not such an easy place.
