M. Sadman Safi Protik
During whose reign eight ‘Maund’ (around 298 kilogram) of rice could be found for one taka?This sentence has been heard so many times that it will come out of the mouth before thinking – Shaista Khan!When we hear the name of Shaista Khan, an image comes to our mind that everyone is going home from the banks of the Buriganga with 8 sacks of rice for 1 taka.Although the actual situation was not like that.At that time the common people of Bengal did not have 1 taka to buy rice and eat it!And then poor people would die without eating.

Let’s not talk about history, come to the present time.The negative effects of the corona virus on the economy are difficult to overcome.The government is trying to keep the wheel of the economy moving with very efficient hands.Even after this, the earning power of the people has decreased a lot.The condition of the poor and common people is very critical. Because their daily income is decreasing.A large number of people in the country lives from hand to mouth;There are many low-income people.In the Corona Pandemic, many poor and middle-class people left Dhaka and went to the villages. Because there is a job crisis in the capital.

In our country, the price of goods goes out of reach overnight.Suddenly, the prices of almost every product including rice, edible oil, pulses, eggs, sugar, powdered milk have gone up in the market.Prices of vegetables and fish and meat are also on the rise.Earlier in market, such a game was played with onions.The unbridled rise in prices of onions was astonishing.Where everyone bought at least one to two kilograms of onions, at such skyrocketing prices, many had to go for half a kilo or less or in many cases without onions. Now the game of price rise has started again.

Our terrible problem is the rise in rice prices. Unscrupulous traders have increased the price of rice on the pretext of floods.At present there is ample supply of rice in the market. There is no shortage of rice.However, the price of all types of rice has gone up by Tk 2 to 5 per kg.Thus, at the end of the season, traders increase the price of rice on various pretexts.The government does not seem to be able to control the market even by fixing the wholesale price of medium and fine rice.

The price of five liters of edible oil was 505 BDT. The latest price increase has been 760 BDT. As a result, it costs more than extra BDT 250 per month for a family to buy edible oil.The price of broiler chicken has gone up from BDT 120-140 to BDT 180-200 per kg.Again, most vegetables cost 50 to 70 BDT per kg.

It’s not just food prices that have risen. The prices of various consumer goods have gone up.
For example, even 2/3 months ago, the price of 100 grams of soap was 35 BDT, now it has risen to 40 BDT.Prices of various products including detergents, toothpaste, coconut oil, toilet tissue have gone up.The monthly expenditure of a family on tissues has increased by 18 per cent, as they now have to buy tissues at BDT 20 for BDT 17.

Bad times also bring opportunities for someone. At this opportunity, a handful of dishonest traders have made the livelihood of the common people unbearable.Mobile courts as an effective and alternative measure to alleviate human suffering, an innovative model of integrated market surveillance activities was underway.Where district-upazila administration has successfully provided leadership. However, at present, the situation is getting worse as the administration does not give priority to the most important issues such as stabilizing the commodity market.

If the government and the concerned department want, they can increase the price control of the goods without any interruption. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure adequate supply of goods in the market.We need to create a fair business environment in the market. The matter is clear that, unscrupulous businessmen have no minimum patriotism and humanity.

The abnormal rise in prices of essential commodities in the coronavirus crisis has undoubtedly multiplied human suffering.Some are destitute and helpless, while others have lost their jobs and taken to the streets.Many are forced to work as day laborers just for the sake of their stomachs; After eating a little with the whole family, hoping to survive.Therefore, we need to awaken our conscience against the main cycle of rising commodity prices on various pretexts. We have to stand by the side of ordinary people.And, to ensure the obligation to display price lists in places selling daily commodities, including markets or shopping malls.Poor people do not want to die for starving like during the reign of Shaista Khan. For that,somehow the government has to control the prices of rice and other necessities in the market and put a smile on the faces of the general people – this is our expectation.

The writer is Graduate of Law, North South University