Dear Sir,
Ramadan embodies restraint, self-discipline and compassion. Yet every year, uncontrolled price hikes of essential commodities overshadow the spirit of this holy month. The recent instability in the date market is a glaring example. Despite sufficient imports, duty exemptions and smooth port operations, prices have risen abnormally. This clearly indicates that the crisis does not stem from supply shortages but from syndicate-driven manipulation.
Importers cite dollar appreciation and LC complications as excuses. However, market data suggests otherwise. In many cases, dates imported at lower declared values are being sold at four to five times the cost. At the wholesale level, prices of five-kilogram packs have increased by Tk 800 to Tk 1,000, forcing consumers to pay Tk 150 to Tk 300 more in retail markets.
Dates are not luxury goods during Ramadan; they are an essential part of Iftar. When lower and middle-income families struggle to afford this basic item, it reflects a serious failure in market regulation. Transparency must be ensured from import to retail stages. Authorities must investigate duty evasion and price manipulation and take strict punitive action.
Ramadan is a month of moderation, not exploitation. Strong and visible intervention is now essential.
Mohibul Hasan Rafi
Student, Government City College, Chattogram
