The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Prices of essentials, including rice, pulses, wheat and edible oils, were running an unprecedented record high in the capital, as also across the country, putting middle and lower-income groups into a delirium.

Shopkeepers in the city markets Friday said prices of course varieties of rice rose by Tk 2 per kg and were selling at Tk 34 to Tk 36.

Prices of pulses jumped by Tk 10 to Tk 15 per kg and were selling at Tk 95 to Tk 100. A five-liter

Wheat flour and powdered milk were also selling at exorbitant prices.

Prices of all vegetables also marked a rise on today's city markets.

Some shopkeepers admitted that there is no control over prices in this situation as there is a big gap between wholesale and retail-market prices of some items.

Although the government recently fixed the prices of some items, but the market reality is completely different.

In the wake of unabated price hike, people belonging to middle and lower- income groups are failing to make two ends meet.

Former Finance Advisor Dr Akbar Ali Khan today feared if the prices of essentials continued to go up at such a galloping pace, the country may face a 'silent famine'.