Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) on Wednesday demanded punishment for those responsible for the price hike of essential commodities.
They said the prices of essentials shot up abruptly due to the machinations of unscrupulous traders, profit mongers and hoarders.
The CAB also warned that if dishonest traders are not punished, the prices of essential commodities might increase further during the holy month of Ramadan.
It also requested the prime minister to provide the poor families with more TCB special cards so that they could survive despite the price hike of essential commodities.
The CAB came up with the demands at a rally held in front of the National Press Club in the city.
While speaking at the event, CAB Vice-President SM Nazer Hossain said the prices of essentials did not shoot up much even during the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19.
But after the lockdown, he said, dishonest traders hiked the prices of essential items including toilet papers, papers and others.
The CAB leader said the low-income people had been facing difficulties in maintaining their families due to the spiralling prices of essentials.
He also demanded the government take stern action against the dishonest traders for the price hike of essential commodities.
Mr Hossain mentioned that Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) had been issuing warnings and conducting market monitoring regularly.
DNCRP also used to impose fine regularly (from Tk 5,000 to Tk 10,000) on dishonest traders. Despite the realisation of fines by DNCRP, dishonest traders were still engaged in hiking the prices of essential commodities, he said.
CAB organising secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan and its joint secretary Dr Md Shahnewaz Chowdhury, among others, were also present at the rally.
