As Bangladesh observes the holy month of Ramadan, its sanctity is being marred by a concern that has long been a concern: The price of Ramadan essentials. In recent years, unscrupulous elements have sought to exploit the needs of the people during Ramadan through hoarding and other nefarious means. And it is distressing to see that such practices are already ongoing.
Just earlier this week, an astonishing 31 tons of dates were seized by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) from a cold storage in Narayanganj, of which close to half were already expired. It is shocking that during the month of Ramadan, the month of reflection and piety, there are such nefarious parties who, through their actions are not only disrupting prices, but adding to the woes of the people who are already facing prices that are oftentimes out of reach.
To say that the government must act decisively to crack down on such attempts to manipulate prices is an understatement yet, as per reports, nobody was fined when the dates were seized from the cold storage. Ensuring that those responsible for such heinous malpractices face swift and severe consequences is the bare minimum the authorities concerned can do.
Additionally, the government should consider implementing price controls or subsidies to alleviate the burden on the people. Despite assurances before Ramadan commenced, it has been disappointing to see the price surge in Ramadan essentials, some of which have doubled in price over the week.
If measures are not taken immediately, more and more people will suffer this month. Ensuring that Bangladeshis are able to afford Ramadan essentials is a moral imperative, and we expect more commitment to the welfare of the people and the sanctity of this sacred month.