The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The caretaker government's main objectives, including much-awaited political reforms may be hampered if the prices of essentials cannot be kept under the purchasing power of common people, according to economists.

In spite of pressure on budget, they suggested the government to provide essential commodities to people at subsidized rates.

According to the economists, income of people has not increased in one hand while a deep sense of panic now prevails in the mind of them about future. Many people have been passing their days in untold sufferings.

They said many have been praising this government, but the government itself does not know what people now start to thinking about it.

"The caretaker government's objective to achieve its goals may be hampered. It will be difficult for the government to achieve its objectives, including political reforms if instability continues to prevail in the local rice market," said economist Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud yesterday.

He said the government needs to bring confidence back in the mind of people immediately by arresting the price hike of rice and other essentials.

"The government needs to pay attention to generate income opportunities, increasing purchasing power of people and keeping the prices of essentials in markets under control," he said.