United News of Bangladesh

As the scent of winter promises relief, the fresh produce markets of Dhaka are delivering a different kind of jolt: sudden and sharp price hikes on essential food items. For the city's ordinary citizens, this surge in the cost of living is a heartbreaking compromise between family needs and financial reality. The recent spike in prices for both seasonal vegetables and proteins is placing an immediate and heavy burden on middle and low-income families, with a simple trip to the market becoming a source of anxiety. The struggles reported by consumers and small traders across the capital show a widening gap between market reality and the goal of price stability pursued by bodies like the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP). Read more: Winter fails to cool prices as Khulna kitchen markets see fresh hikes Reality of the Market The escalating prices are not abstract figures; they are deeply personal crises. Md. Dulal, a security guard, shared his heartache over a family craving. "The duck meat is now selling for Tk 500 per kilogram. My children had their hearts set on it, but with the price going up, it's out of our reach now. It's simply a luxury we cannot afford." The protein crisis extends to fish as well. Md. Mainuddin, a fish trader himself, noted the extreme costs for premium catches. "A one-kilogram Hilsa fish goes for Tk 2,800, and a large Rupchanda fish is Tk 1,200 per kg, which is far too high for the average buyer, even if other fishes are slightly lower in price."

Residents of Magura are increasingly distressed as the prices of essential commodities have surged alarmingly across the district. The sudden spike has left many struggling to make ends meet, raising widespread concerns about the impact on daily life. In recent weeks, prices of various essential items, including vegetables, eggs, and chillies, have escalated dramatically. The price of raw chillies has soared to Tk 500 per kg, an incredible increase from just Tk 100 to Tk 120 per kg two weeks ago.  Similarly, farm eggs are now selling at a record high of Tk 180 per dozen, up from Tk 150 a week earlier. Local markets have felt the impact of these price hikes, making it increasingly difficult for families, especially those from middle and lower-middle-class households, to afford basic groceries. The prices of potatoes, bitter gourds, and brinjals have also surged, with potatoes now costing Tk 60 per kilogram, pointed gourds at Tk 80 per kg, and brinjals reaching Tk 120 per kg. Read: Drives conducted in Dhaka’s kitchen markets to monitor prices of essentials “This is becoming unbearable. Everything costs more, yet our incomes remain unchanged. It’s a struggle to buy groceries,” lamented a local buyer. The situation is dire, with some families reportedly leaving markets empty-handed due to soaring prices.  “Many come to the market without buying anything and leave disappointed, while others are forced to pay inflated prices,” another resident added. Market control officials attribute the crisis to excessive rainfall disrupting supply chains, and rising wholesale prices.  “Due to heavy rainfall and increased wholesale prices, the costs of raw chilies and vegetables are rising daily,” stated an official. They expressed concern that if this trend continues, prices may escalate further. Rising transport costs are also contributing to the increases, they noted. The repercussions of these price surges are evident, with many vendors reporting a decline in sales. “I used to sell out my stock easily, but now many customers leave without making a purchase,” said one seller, highlighting the impact on local businesses. Read more: Special task force formed to monitor prices of daily essentials The markets have become nearly devoid of small fish, with what little remains priced beyond the reach of average buyers. Larger fish are also expensive, making them inaccessible to many. Even during the peak hilsa season, prices remain high, with almost every vegetable priced at 80 to 120 takas. Meanwhile, although the prices of beef, goat, and both local and broiler chicken have not surged, the costs of rice and oil have increased. District market control officer Mamunul Islam confirmed that excessive rainfall and rising wholesale prices are driving up the costs of raw chilies and vegetables. He noted the potential for further price increases if the situation continues, exacerbated by rising transport costs.  Read more: Essentials’ prices up in Khulna kitchen markets

Voicing deep concerns over the growing price hike of daily essentials, BNP on Tuesday alleged that corrupt “government-backed” syndicates are controlling the kitchen markets to make quick buck through tricks.  “The prices of essentials are reduced during Ramadan in other Muslim countries. But in our country, the prices of goods go up during this time. Awami League-backed syndicates are controlling the market and raising the prices of goods through tricks,” said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Speaking at a press conference at BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office, he also bemoaned that the state-owned Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), has also increased the prices of commodities ahead of Ramadan. “It’s regrettable as people usually depend on TCB to buy goods at fair prices. A syndicate is also there.” Also read: Soaring veggie prices sour festive spirit for city residents Fakhrul said the prices of essential commodities, including rice, soybean oil, sugar, and flour, have marked a sharp rise due to the government’s failure to monitor the market. As a sequel to widespread corruption during this government, he said the managements of kitchen markets have been held hostage to the corrupt business syndicates who are the “beneficiaries of the government”. He said it is the responsibility of the government to control the corrupt syndicates and keep the market stable. Also read: Govt has no roadmap to enforce full lockdown: BNP The BNP leader said there is no alternative to installing a pro-people government in the country removing the political stalemate to protect the human rights and interests of people. “This government is least bothered about people’s welfare since they’ve no accountability. Under the circumstances, everyone must take part in the movement to establish a democratic and pro-people government under the leadership of the BNP,” he observed. Fakhrul said the government provoked the Hefazat to engage in violence on the occasion of Independence Day as part of its move to climate the opposition.  Also read: Prices in kitchen markets on the up ahead of Ramadan The BNP alleged that police have long been arresting their party’s leaders and activists at different parts of the country in different cases. About the condition of their party chairperson Khaleda, Zia who tested positive for coronavirus, Fakhrul said she is doing well and receiving treatment from her personal physicians. He urged people to pray for the speedy recovery of their party chief.