Dinajpur Correspondent:

Prices of daily essentials in Dinajpur have surged significantly during the ongoing month of Ramadan, leaving many common consumers in a state of distress.

From Iftar staples like chickpeas to daily necessities such as rice, pulses, vegetables, and meat, prices have largely moved beyond the reach of the general public.

A visit to various markets on Wednesday, including Bahadur Bazar and Chawk Bazar in Dinajpur city, revealed an alarming increase in prices over the span of just one week.

The price of chickpeas has risen from Tk80 to 100 Taka per kilogram. A hali (four pieces) of lemons has doubled in price, now costing between 60 and 80 Taka, while the price of various types of dates has increased by Tk50 to 400.

Vegetable prices have also seen an upward trend, with green chillies increasing by Tk20 per kilogram. The prices of aubergines and cucumbers have similarly risen by Tk20, now reaching Tk80 per kilogram.

Broiler chicken, often a staple for the middle class, is now priced at Tk180 per kilogram. Meanwhile, the price of beef has jumped by Tk50 per kilogram to reach Tk750, making it a luxury for the common man.

Shoppers like Nur Nahar Begum and Tarikul Islam expressed their helplessness at the markets. They noted that while their incomes have not increased, the rising cost of living represents a severe trial for middle- and lower-income families. Tarikul Islam voiced his frustration, stating that the rate of the price hikes would likely reduce the amount of food on his family’s Iftar plates.

While the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) maintains that it is conducting regular monitoring and mobile courts, the public is calling for more robust surveillance.

Many believe this “artificial crisis” can only be overcome through the ethical behaviour of traders and strict administrative intervention. There is a growing sentiment that the greed for excessive profits by a group of dishonest traders is exploiting religious emotions during this month of restraint.

The residents of Dinajpur expect the administration to go beyond merely issuing fines and instead address the root of the supply chain to establish a permanent price control mechanism, ensuring the market returns to normal for the remainder of Ramadan.