Rajshahi, Dec 02 (V7N) — The Rajshahi District Committee of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) held a human chain at Saheb Bazar Zero Point to protest against the escalating prices of daily essentials, attributing the crisis to manipulative and profit-driven traders. The protest emphasized the need for strict enforcement of laws, particularly regarding the sale of open edible oil, and called for government intervention to stabilize the market.

The program, held at 11 a.m. on Monday, was presided over by Khademul Islam, Advisor (Complaint) of CAB Rajshahi. Several prominent speakers addressed the event, including Ghulam Mostafa Mamun, General Secretary of CAB Rajshahi, and Dr. Muhammad Abdus Salam Al-Madani, Professor at Rajshahi University. Senior journalist Mostafizur Rahman Badal, Sonali Sangbad Editor Md. Liaquat Ali, and other CAB officials also participated, alongside political and social leaders.

During the protest, Ghulam Mostafa Mamun highlighted the unchecked activities of market syndicates. "While the dictatorial government fell through popular uprisings, corrupt businessmen and profit-seeking syndicates remain in control, driving up the prices of essential goods like potatoes, onions, and soybean oil," he stated.

He demanded that these syndicates be dismantled and strict legal action taken against those exploiting the market. "Breaking the dishonest cycle is the only way to restore the purchasing power of ordinary people," he added.

The CAB Rajshahi presented an eight-point demand to address the crisis, including:

  1. Punishment for Corrupt Traders: Exemplary legal action against dishonest market manipulators.
  2. Ensuring Supply: Guaranteed availability of essential commodities.
  3. Market Monitoring: Intensified government market campaigns to curb price hikes.
  4. Expanded TCB Sales: Increase the scope of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) truck sales.
  5. Regulation of Edible Oil: Strict enforcement of the law against selling open (drum-packed) edible oil.
  6. Consumer Ministry Formation: Establishing a separate department or ministry under the Ministry of Commerce to protect consumer interests.
  7. Increased Distribution of Subsidized Goods: Expanding the government’s ration card program from 1 crore to 1.5 crore families.
  8. Enforcement Against Open Oil Sales: Severe penalties for sellers violating the law by selling drum-packed oil.

The speakers emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to break the dominance of profiteering market syndicates. Cultural Affairs Secretary Poet Amlan Aniruddha and CAB Youth Branch President Zulfikar Ali also underscored the necessity of consumer-focused policies to protect low-income households from further hardship.

The human chain concluded with a unanimous call for immediate and effective measures to bring stability to the market and safeguard the interests of consumers.

END/RA/AJ