Sr. Staff Reporter, Kishoreganj :
The people ‘s extreme suffering to cope with escalating cost of living continues as the price of Rice increased unusually in Kishoreganj and elsewhere around in the country. The price of all types of rice in kitchen markets has increased by Tk 4 to Tk 8 per kg at the retail level. The rice market of Kishoreganj has become unstable in the space of two weeks. Low income people are under extreme pressure. Retailers are blaming traders for increasing the price of rice.
On the other hand, traders are blaming the millers. In Kishoreganj’s market, 28 Balam rice was sold at retail level at Tk 60, Miniket at Tk 68 and coarse rice (bullet) at Tk 55 on Saturday. Fifteen days ago, 28 Balam was sold at 56 per kg, Miniket at 60 and coarse rice was sold at 52 per kg.
“28 Balam rice was sold at retail level at Tk 60, Miniket at Tk 68 and coarse rice (bullet) at Tk 55 on Saturday. Fifteen days ago, 28 Balam was sold at 56 per kg, Miniket at 60 and coarse rice was sold at 52 per kg.
Sajib Dar, a shopkeeper in kishoreganj’s Bara Bazar, said that in 15 days, 28 Balam rice in a 25 kg bag has increased by Tk. 100, miniket by Tk. 120 and coarse rice by Tk. 75.
He said the prices of all rice have gone up due to low supply due to elections. Rahmam Miah, a retail buyer who came to shop at Kaschari Bazar said that they are struggling due to the increase in the price of rice. Tk.100- 300 per sack (25 kg) rice increased compared to last month. They are under financial pressure.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Kishoreganj, Md. Abul Kalam Azad told the New Nation that the District administration is monitoring the kitchen markets and hopes that the price will be under control.
District CAB president Alam Sarowar Tito said that the powerful syndicates are rules in kitchen market.
Fixed income people are suffering due to soaring prices of essentials including rice, sugar, atta, egg, edible oil and other essentials despite having availability of the items in the kitchen market.
CAB has called for creaking down on syndicates of the traders as they hike the prices of essential commodities.