Govt mulls to import onions within two days if prices remain high

Staff Reporter  :
The surge in onion prices is causing difficulties for ordinary people as the essential cooking ingredient becomes unaffordable, while other daily necessities show no signs of price decline.

While the government blames a certain group of businessmen, referred to as a “syndicate,” for the situation, it has failed to take decisive measures against these traders, thereby leaving the burden on consumers.

During an interaction with journalists in the northern district of Rangpur, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi stated on Friday that the government is considering the import of onions in a couple of days if the prices of the commodity do not decrease, with the aim of providing relief to consumers.
“The onion price has risen. The government will import onions if the prices do not decrease in a day or two. There is no reason for the rise of onion prices during the full season,” he said.

He further stated that there were some troubles regarding onions and sugar, but that would also be brought under control soon.
“We have fixed the price of sugar, but its impact has not come to the market. Directorate of National Consumes Rights Protection is working on it. We hope the situation will improve,” he said.

He also raised fingers against some opportunistic businessmen for the volatility of the market prices of essential items particularly sugar and onion.
“Some opportunistic businessmen are taking advantage of the global rise in sugar prices. However, the government is making efforts to maintain the specified prices,” he said.

Tipu Munshi stated that the prices of imported goods have increased due to the rise in the value of the dollar. However, in the global context, we are doing well. We need to cope with the situation considering the circumstances. In the face of global challenges, we all have to work together.
The minister cited that the prices of imported goods have increased due to the rise in the value of the dollar.
“However, in the global context, we are doing well. We need to cope with the situation considering the circumstances. In the face of global challenges, we all have to work together,” he said.

Regarding the control of the prices of daily essentials, the Commerce Minister mentioned, “It is not my responsibility to control the kitchen market. We do not control everything in the kitchen market; various ministries are involved in that. However, overall the situation is not very bad. The kitchen market fluctuates, sometimes the prices of vegetables increase, and sometimes they decrease.”