The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Saturday urged the government to withdraw the duties on import of green chilli for the remaining days of Ramadan, the fasting month for Muslims, to keep the price of the essential affordable for consumers.
In a written statement, the FBCCI, the apex trade body of the country, hoped that the price of green chilli would come down to Tk 70 to Tk 80 if the government withdraws duties imposed on the import of the product.
Although the government imposed a ban on export of green chilli along with four other essential commodities on July 7 in order to keep the prices of the commodities stable and at the reach of consumers, the price of the item jumped to Tk 200 a kilogram in the capital’s kitchen markets on the eve of Ramadan from Tk 70 to Tk 80 kg a week before.
‘The government should withdraw the duties for the remaining days of the month of Ramadan to increase supply of green chilli in the market and cut the market price of the product,’ FBCCI said.
Currently, importers have to pay 25 per cent customs duty and 20 per cent supplementary duty in import of the item.
Bangladesh imports green chilli mainly from India.
The trade body said around 60 to 70 tonnes of green chilli were expected to be imported from India on Saturday.
-With New Age input
