Eid-ul-Azha nearing

 Staff Correspondent:

The government has asked all deputy commissioners (DCs) and its agencies to enhance monitoring to prevent the smuggling of spices and keep the price of the essential items under control during and ahead of the upcoming Muslim festival, Eid-ul-Azha.

The National Security Intelligence (NSI) has sent a set of suggestions to the different state entities, including the commerce ministry, in this regard. The suggestions include ensuring adequate stock and increasing import of such spices as per the demand.

It also recommended reducing the assessment value (per ton) and stopping import of spices through land ports. The intelligence report has suggested importing spices through Chattogram and Mongla ports only instead of land ports aiming to avert the smuggling of spices. The NSI has asked the commerce ministry to monitor the wholesale and retail spice market and take stern action against hoarders.

The spices are: cumin, cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, nutmeg and mace.

When contacted, a senior official of the commerce ministry said, “We have kept a close watch on importers, wholesalers and retail traders so that they cannot hike the prices of aromatic spices during the upcoming holy sacrificial festival.”

The commerce ministry has already given necessary instructions to the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) and all DCs to take required steps as the demand for the items increase manifold during the festival. The ministry has also asked the authorities concerned to make sure price lists are displayed and receipts are provided to customers.

Traders based in Khatunganj and Chattogram said that though there is enough stock of spices, prices are higher on the market.

When contacted, an official of the DNCRP said some unscrupulous traders has increased the prices of different commodities including spices as the demand soars ahead of different festivals. “We’ll get tough against them.”