The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), an organization working on consumer rights, has given 9 recommendations including continuing the activities of the 'special task force' across the country to stabilize the prices of daily necessities. CAB leaders made these recommendations in a human chain organized in front of the National Press Club on Tuesday (October 15) to protest against the abnormal increase in the prices of daily necessities due to the manipulation of dishonest and profit-seeking traders.
Speakers in the human chain said that the prices of almost all the daily necessities in the market have increased, which is causing pressure in public life. At present, most of the vegetables in the retail market of Dhaka cost more than Tk 100 per kg. The price of green chillies broke all-time records in the history of the country and rose to Tk 600 per kg. The price of red eggs is being sold at Tk 170-180 per dozen, which was Tk 150-162 two months ago. But the government is not taking action on how a common buyer will deal with this high price market.
Meanwhile, CPB general secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said that the government's aim should be to provide relief to the people. But we don't have that comfort in our country now. A few days ago the government (Awami League) fell due to unrest. But the current government is not able to remove that discomfort. The reason for this is that the hands of the syndicate have changed with the change of government. The relief of the public should be ensured by immediate control of market prices and the syndicates should be identified and those involved brought to justice.
General civil society convener Mohiuddin Ahmed said to the chief adviser of the interim government, you should leave the thought of reforms. Look into market pricing and road policing.
Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan, general secretary of CAB, said, “Our only demand is to bring the prices of daily commodities within the reach of consumers.”
CAB's 9 Recommendations are –
1. The activities of the 'Special Task Force' should be continued throughout the country to keep the price of essential commodities stable.
2. The selling price of all products in the wholesale and retail markets should be displayed in a visible place. For this, the National Consumer Rights Protection Department should take strong action across the country.
3. The relevant ministries should ensure the collection, supply and receipt of information on the production, demand and supply of daily necessities.
4. Import price, wholesale price and retail price of daily necessities should be determined and strict steps should be taken to implement it.
5. Zero tolerance should be shown against artificial crisis creation, hoarders and profit hunters and they should be brought under the law.
6. For more cultivation of onion, garlic and ginger, seeds, fertilizers and modern technology should be made available to the farmers.
7. Financial incentives should be provided to small poultry farmers to meet the nutritional needs of animals.
8. LC should be opened for import of commodities including onion, garlic, ginger, soya bean oil, sugar with duty exemption and it should be ensured that after import the commodity is sold in the market at fixed price.
9. Necessary measures should be taken against road extortion and harassment.
