Rampant price hike of daily necessities in Chuadanga at the beginning of Ramadan

Ramadan means various food arrangements for Iftar and Sehri. But due to the abnormal price hike of daily necessities in this holy month, the lower and middle class people of Chuadanga city are facing problems. Today, Tuesday (February 24), a visit to the lower market of the city’s big market showed that the price of almost all types of vegetables per kilogram has increased significantly.
The price of dates has almost doubled, and the price of lemon and green chili has also gone beyond the reach of the common man. Meanwhile, buyers are expressing anger over the increase in the price of dates, lemon, green chili, brinjal and cucumber used for Iftar. Banker Humayun Kabir said, “The prices of goods are not what they should be according to the month of Ramadan. The prices of everything including bananas, cucumbers, brinjals, lemons have increased. Our salaries do not increase, but the prices of goods increase during the month of Ramadan.
Many buyers complain that it has become difficult to shop with bags full of groceries even if they have money in their pockets. However, the fish and meat market is relatively comfortable. Fish seller Mr. Punne Biswas said, “There is a recession in the fish market during the month of Ramadan. The price of each fish has decreased by 150 to 200 taka. There are also fewer buyers.” Chicken seller Nazim said, “Before Ramadan, the prices were high due to the winter. Now the price of chicken has decreased slightly.” The market is under control.”
However, retail chicken sellers say, “The hoarding of unscrupulous traders is a big reason behind the increase in the prices of iftar products.” Date seller Delwar Hossain said, “Dates that were previously priced at 200 taka are now being sold for 400 taka.” Many people hoard things during Ramadan, which creates an artificial crisis.” Watermelon seller Suman Mia said, “There is no watermelon in Chuadanga. There is no watermelon in Barisal either, we have to bring it from Patenga. It costs Tk 40,000 to rent a car to bring 1,500 watermelons. We are selling them for Tk 300 to Tk 400. The price of watermelons is increasing at auction due to high demand during Ramadan. Vegetable seller Shahin Ali said, “Before Ramadan, brinjal was Tk 80, now it is Tk 120. Lemons have come down from Tk 40 to Tk 80. Green chillies have also been sold for more than Tk 200. Due to high demand for kheer, lemons and coriander leaves during Ramadan, the prices have increased, and imports have also decreased.” Meanwhile, fruit seller Firoz said, “Apples have come down from Tk 350 to Tk 380, and malts from Tk 300 to Tk 350. The prices of almost all fruits have increased by Tk 20 to Tk 50 per kg.” On the other hand, buyer Jasmine Akhter said, “The prices of everything in the market have increased “It’s skyrocketing. If this continues, it will be difficult for the middle class to survive.” Traders said that the Market Control Committee, district administration and the National Consumer Rights Protection Department are conducting operations. However, ordinary buyers feel that strict monitoring is needed to have a visible impact.