- The Bangladeshi government assures stable essential commodity prices during Ramadan.
- Prices of food items are lower than last year, according to official data.
- Increased supply of edible oil, chickpeas, and dates to meet high demand.
- Authorities actively monitor markets to prevent price manipulation.
- Consumers share mixed experiences on market prices despite government efforts.
The Bangladeshi government has assured citizens that essential commodity prices will remain stable during Ramadan. Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, stated that data indicates prices of most necessities are lower this year compared to last Ramadan. The government is working to keep prices affordable throughout the holy month.
Alam made these remarks during a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Saturday. He emphasized that the interim government has prioritized price stability to reduce financial stress on consumers. Authorities are actively monitoring markets and increasing supply to prevent price hikes.
Steady Prices for Ramadan: Authorities Take Action
The Chief Adviser urged officials last October to keep food and essential goods affordable for Ramadan. Since then, government agencies have been working hard to stabilize prices. To make sure people don’t struggle, they are taking steps to prevent sudden cost increases. Their main focus is keeping the market steady.
To achieve this, the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Bank, and other agencies are working together. They are paying special attention to high-demand items like edible oil, chickpeas, and dates. By securing a steady supply, they hope to prevent shortages. At the same time, they want to make sure everyone can buy what they need.
Meanwhile, authorities have increased market surveillance to stop price manipulation. They are keeping a close watch on retailers to ensure fair pricing. To catch unethical price hikes, officials are conducting frequent inspections. If they find violations, they are taking immediate action.
Even with these efforts, consumers have mixed experiences. Some say prices are stable, while others notice increases in certain goods. To keep things under control, the government is urging people to report unfair pricing. This way, they can quickly take action and maintain market discipline.
Past Trends and Challenges
Essential commodity prices often rise sharply before and during Ramadan due to high demand. However, some analysts believe market manipulation plays a bigger role than actual supply shortages. This ongoing debate raises concerns for consumers struggling with rising costs.
Bangladesh also faced six floods last year, affecting agricultural production. Despite these setbacks, the government insists that current prices are lower than last year. Many remain skeptical, questioning whether prices will stay stable throughout Ramadan.
The government promises to control price hikes with increased supply, market monitoring, and strict regulations. However, experts stress the need for continued vigilance. Fair pricing will ensure all citizens can afford essential goods during the holy month.