NATION BUSINESS REPORT
A leading economist has suggested a price commission be set up involving the ministries of commerce, agriculture and finance to bring down prices of essentials within the reach of common people in a short span of time.
Welcoming the government’s decision to cut diesel price at its first cabinet meeting, Chairman of Bangladesh Unnayan Sumannya Dr Atiur Rahman said that the commission could deal with all price-related policies for executing the government plan to cut the prices.
Describing the government’s decision of reducing diesel price and raising subsidy on fertilizer as realistic, he said the production cost would come down drastically with the implementation of these steps.
“Commerce Ministry alone cannot handle the whole pricing process and that is why a coordination committee could be formed to implement the government’s vision of lowering the prices of essentials beyond the expectation of commoners,” he said.
President of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed said besides cutting diesel price and raising subsidy on fertilizer, the government should ensure a balanced distribution of fertilizer and ensure availability of diesel to the growers.
He also suggested reducing the price of kerosene so the poor can buy it.
“We have to reduce prices of essentials as those have already marked a downward trend in the international market. Businessmen have an important role to play to supplement the government’s efforts in the regard,” he said.
Prices of essentials already started plummeting at different markets across the country after the new government took over.
According to yesterday’s market report of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), prices of coarse rice at kitchen markets ranged between Taka 24 and Taka 27 against Taka 27 to Taka 30 a week ago. Edible oil sold at Taka 86 to Taka 92 against Taka 98 to Taka 104 a week ago.
Besides, lentil is selling at the city markets at Taka 75 to Taka 105 as compared to the range of Taka 78 to Taka 106 seven days ago and prices of most essentials witnessed downward trend in the city markets.
Courtesy: nation.ittefaq.com
