More woes for low-income people

The rising prices of essentials ahead of Ramadan has dealt a fresh blow to the people with limited income.

Over the last couple of days, the prices of each kg of green chilli, cucumber, lemon, brinjal, and certain fruits, went up by Tk 20-50 while each kg of fish and meat shot up by Tk 50-100.

At several kitchen markets in the capital, these correspondents saw that the number of shoppers at grocery stores significantly increased as the month of Ramadan is set to begin.

Traders said the prices were rising mainly because of the increased demands.

"They do the same thing every year. But there is no one to see this," said Monowara Begum, who bought cucumber, beef and green chilli at a kitchen market in Kazipara.

"I bought beef after a long time. The family members want to begin Ramadan with good food. I don't want to disappoint them," said the mother of two, adding that she might have to cut consumption by the end of the month to cope with the rising prices.

The drop in prices of edible oils, onions and sugar could not bring any respite to the people as other essentials became pricier.

At Karwanbazar, retired official Tokabuddin said, "It has become difficult for middle-income people like me to run a family."

Babul, owner of Shubho Sabji Bitan, yesterday said a kg of brinjal was sold for Tk 80-90, up from Tk 40-50 just two days ago.

Each kg of cucumber now costs Tk 20-30 more than the previous price. Green chilli and lemon also became costlier.

Babul said the prices are likely to come down in less than a week.

Sheikh Jahangir Hossain, who sells fruits, said the price of bananas shot up by Tk 20-50 per dozen.

There is an ample supply of watermelon, he said, but each kg now costs Tk 10 more.

Similarly, fish seller Shukkur Mia said there is no shortage of supply of Hilsa. But the prices rose because people are buying more.

The price of each kg of Hilsa rose by Tk 100-150 and Rui by Tk 10-20.

Contacted, SM Nazer Hossain, vice-president of Consumer Association of Bangladesh, said demands for certain products rise ahead of festivals in many countries. "But people do not suffer. It is different in our country. Businessmen take advantage of special occasions and increase prices."

There is no government control over businesses, he said, urging the government to take effective measures to monitor the markets.