Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has issued the following statement on April 3, 2021 expressing deep concern at price spiral of the essential commodities and simultaneously urging all quarters to take stand by the side of the poor and helpless people in the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

“I am expressing deep concern as the price of all essentials including rice, lentils, chickpeas, oil, onions, fishes and meats have increased intolerably.

Because of the government’s negligence and indulgence, profit-seeking and corrupted traders have caused this price spiral ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The low- and mid-income people are suffering severely due to such price hike. Within a week, prices of some items have increased from 60 to 70 percent. Broiler chicken’s price have increased 40-60 taka by per kilogram and sonali chicken’s price also have increased by 100 taka per kilogram. Soyabean oil’s price have also increased by 40 take per liter. The government cannot control the price spiral by any means. Even the prices of greens and vegetables are also on the rise.

There is no valid reason behind such price hike. The ill-traders have created this situation just to gain more profit. It is happening because of the joint collaboration between the traders and the government. To curb the price hike, government should monitor the market strictly. Price spiral took place because of the lacking of proper monitoring over the market and the government has to take the liabilities.

People’s consuming capacities have been lost immensely due to corona pandemic. People’s source of income became limited because of unemployment and shut down of business. Under such circumstances, this price spiral became a major blow to the general masses.

I am urging the concerned authorities to keep the price of the essentials within common’s reach so that poor people can observe fasting in Ramadan properly. Besides, I am calling upon the affluent sections and the leaders and man power of Jamaat-e-Islami to take the side of helpless and poor people in this critical condition.