Ramadan Approaching and the Essential Commodities Market: Without Vigilance, a Crisis Is Inevitable
Dr. Muhammad Mahtab Hossain Mazed :
For the Muslim Ummah, the month of Ramadan is not merely a time of worship; it is a profound period of self-purification, restraint, morality, and social responsibility.
During this month, people prioritize sacrifice over indulgence, frugality over waste, and compassion over selfishness.
Yet the reality is that as Ramadan draws nearer, the market for essential commodities often becomes increasingly unstable.
As a result, for many people this month of restraint turns into a source of anxiety and hardship rather than peace and comfort.
As preparations are underway for the start of Ramadan in 1447 Hijri, the condition of the essential commodities market once again demands serious attention.
If effective measures are not taken now, ahead of Ramadan, the emergence of a market crisis will be almost inevitable.
This is not merely an economic issue; it is deeply connected to questions of social justice, ethics, and the responsibility of the state.
Ramadan and Increased Pressure on Essential Goods
During Ramadan, eating habits naturally change. Centered around sehri and iftar, families tend to purchase some additional food items.
Demand increases for rice, flour, lentils, sugar, edible oil, chickpeas, dates, onions, potatoes, milk, eggs, and meat. This is a normal demand cycle.
The problem becomes acute when this natural increase in demand is used as an excuse to create abnormal market instability.
Artificial shortages in the supply system, hoarding, and the pursuit of excessive profit seem to have become routine whenever Ramadan approaches. Consequently, the daily lives of ordinary people come under severe pressure.
The Real Causes Behind Market Instability
Several structural and ethical weaknesses contribute to instability in the essential commodities market ahead of Ramadan.
First, hoarding and the influence of middlemen
Some traders and wholesalers deliberately stockpile goods to create artificial shortages. This reduces availability in the market and drives prices up.
Second, weak market monitoring
When the relevant authorities fail to conduct regular oversight, unscrupulous groups become active. In many cases, laws exist, but their enforcement is not visibly effective.
Third, lack of transparency in the supply chain
When there is poor coordination among producers, wholesalers, and retailers, goods do not reach the market on time. This disrupts the balance between demand and supply.
Fourth, consumer behavior
Fearing shortages as Ramadan approaches, many people purchase more than they actually need. This sudden surge in demand further complicates the situation.
Why Immediate Vigilance Is Essential
Attempts to control the market after Ramadan begins often prove ineffective. By then, demand has already peaked, making crisis management extremely difficult. Therefore, preparation before Ramadan begins is the only truly effective approach.
Such preparation must include:
Strengthening the supply system in advance
Ensuring visible and sufficient availability of goods in the market
Issuing early warnings to unscrupulous traders
Increasing consumer awareness
If these initiatives are not taken in a timely manner, market instability will become unavoidable.
Measures Needed to Control the Essential Commodities Market
Several key steps are necessary to keep the essential commodities market under control ahead of Ramadan.
1. Effective market monitoring
Regular and surprise inspections should be conducted to monitor stock levels, prices, and supply conditions. Continuous oversight, rather than sporadic drives, is the key.
2. Strengthening the supply chain
Transparency must be ensured at every stage, from producer to consumer. Coordination in transportation, storage, and wholesale operations needs to be improved.
3. Visible action against hoarding
Strict enforcement of the law must be ensured so that unscrupulous traders are warned in advance and discouraged from creating artificial shortages.
4. Expansion of state-run marketing systems
Increasing the scope of government initiatives to sell goods at fair prices brings relief to consumers and creates positive pressure on the private market.
5. Consumer awareness and social responsibility
The message that Ramadan does not mean excessive consumption must be widely promoted. Buying according to need and avoiding waste play a major role in keeping the market stable.
Positive Impacts of Market Control
If the essential commodities market is properly controlled ahead of Ramadan, its positive effects will be reflected across society and the state.
First, it ensures relief for ordinary people. Low- and middle-income families can access essential food items easily, reducing mental stress and allowing them to focus on worship.
Second, social justice is strengthened. A stable market prevents the gap between rich and poor from widening and allows people of all classes to benefit equally.
Third, an ethical business culture develops.
With strict oversight and a fair environment, traders are encouraged to avoid excessive profit-seeking.
Fourth, overall economic stability improves. When demand and supply remain balanced, inflationary pressure decreases and confidence in the market grows.
Fifth, the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan is preserved.
Reduced market instability allows people to remain free from anxiety and focus on restraint, compassion, and worship—the core teachings of Ramadan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the condition of the essential commodities market ahead of Ramadan is not an isolated issue; it is a matter of national responsibility.
Without vigilance and timely action, a crisis will become inevitable, and the burden will ultimately fall on ordinary citizens.
To preserve the sanctity of Ramadan, the market itself must also practice restraint. Only through the combined efforts of the state, the administration, the business community, and consumers can a fair, humane, and stable market system be established.
If conscious and responsible steps are taken now, Ramadan can truly become a month of peace, comfort, and restraint.
(The author is an Organizer, Columnist, and Researcher Founder and Chairman, Jatiya rogi Kalyan Society E-mail: [email protected])