The New Nation - Internet Edition

A local Bengali Daily yesterday published a news item showing the price-level of some of essential commoeities that prevails on the day in Dhaka and Kolkata. The rates are as follows.

The quoted exchange rate is BDT-100=IRS-53.

Sl. No.

Commodity Kolkata Price IRs (BDT) Dhaka Price Tk

Rice (Fine) 20(38) 46

Rice (Common) 16(30) 30

Wheat 16(30) 48

Lentil 45(85) 90

Sugar 18(34) 42

Green Chilli 40(75) 24

Potato 7(13) 20

Milk (powder) 60(113) 505

Oil 80(151) 122

Salt 8(15) 15

A close look at the quoted rates show that rice, wheat, lentil, sugar, and milk are more costly in Dhaka than Kolkata. However, oil and green-chilli are sold at higher prices in Kolkata.

The differences of commoditywise price only indicate the market is not under any control in Dhaka. This failure in controlling the market by the administration and the uncontrolled greed of the businessmen in Bangladesh combinedly have put the life of the commoners in danger. This should be checked at all cost.

Abu Musa Miah

Lalbagh, Dhaka.