The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) still seems not prepared to face the special market situation during the holy month of Ramzan. There is usually an increase in the demand for consumable items, especially edible oil, lentil, gram, fruits, fish, meat and spices. The Commerce Adviser has reportedly observed that the demand for all essential items usually rise 50 percent during this month. Further escalation of prices in the existing inflationary situation will lead to additional expenditure and mounting sufferings of the poorer sections of the people.

Timely intervention by the authorities is urgently needed to keep prices affordable to all sections of the people. Adequate supply of the items at fair prices should be ensured for this. TCB has taken an initiative to buy edible oil and other items and has floated tenders three times. But no local or international bidders reportedly submitted tender. This has made the timely supply of the commodities by TCB uncertain. However, the Commerce Adviser informed that the government is going to take some steps like expediting collection and supply of the commodities, and opening fair price shops to tackle the situation.

The holy month of Ramzan is the month of restraint and self-purification.The business community is not out of this. They should refrain from making undue profit at the cost of the fasting devotees. Hoarding and extra profit go against the teachings of Ramzan. In some Muslim countries of the world, prices of essential commodities rather come down due to heavy subsidies on the one hand and honesty and sincerity of the traders on the other. The traders should be fair in business transactions. A section of the affluent people spends too much for eating and drinking during Ramzan. They should also practice self-restraint.