Stop hiking prices of medicines

It is truly disappointing that, at a time when we need citizens of this country to be more selfless, compassionate and altruistic than ever, some unscrupulous businessmen and pharmacists are arbitrarily hiking prices of essential medications. A report published on March 28 sheds light on how some drug stores in Chattogram are harassing patients by charging almost 10 percent more for medications, even though there is no shortage of any medicines in the market.

The authorities meanwhile have assured us that there is adequate supply of medications in the market. Why, then, has the drug administration not taken any steps against these corrupt businesses who are trying to profit off of people's anxieties and miseries? We urge the authorities to take urgent measures across the country to ensure that prices of medicines are not increased artificially and that exemplary measures are taken against those who have no qualms in exploiting people at such a precarious time in the nation's living memory. The government needs to send a strong message to the pharmacists—and indeed to other businessmen who are hoarding at this time of crisis—that such practises will not be tolerated.

We also call upon businesses across the country, and particularly those who are providing essential commodities, to be ethical in their practices. Let's not reduce ourselves to the worst version of humanity.