FBCCI urges businessmen not to hike prices of essentials during Ramadan

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI) President Md Jashim Uddin on Saturday urged all businesses to follow the price list the government provided on 46 products, and not to increase daily essential prices in the holy month of Ramadan.

He made the remark at a meeting with businesses related to daily essentials at the FBCCI conference room in Dhaka.

"During any festival, most countries of the world reduce the price of their product. But prices go up in Bangladesh during festivals, particularly during Ramadan. Why? We have to change this culture here," he added.

Jashim said FBCCI has formed a "monitoring cell" with businesses engaged in different sectors across the country to monitor the essentials market during Ramadan for controlling prices.

"I won't be the president of unscrupulous businesses. So, we have to try to control the market. We don't want to shoulder the blame of unscrupulous businessmen, so such illict traders should be identified soon," he added.

At the meeting, Bangladesh Dal Babosayee Somity President Shafi Mahmud said they will try to reduce lentil price by Tk 2-4 per kg and would not increase the price during Ramadan as there is sufficient stock of pulses.

Wholesale Edible Oil Traders Association President Haji Md Golam Mawla said the price won’t increase if the supply of oil is ample in the month of Ramadan.

TK Group Director Shafiul Ather Taslim said they have enough oil in stock to last till the end of Ramadan, so the edible oil prices won't go up.

Meanwhile, Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mustafa Sohrab Chowdhury Titu called for the end of harassment by police and other extortionists to control the prices.