—Mofazzal Karim—

No one in this world is without enemies. Even ascetics and spiritual leaders, revered by their followers, cannot claim to be free of adversaries. Rivals often scheme to undermine their influence, sometimes resorting to violent means.

Ordinary people constantly face adversaries in their daily lives. The current leaders of Bangladesh, who have been in power for five to six months, also have numerous well-wishers and hidden enemies. Many of these adversaries are beneficiaries of the previous government, unwilling to accept their sudden fall from grace. Having enjoyed privileges for over a decade and a half, they now clandestinely plot to regain their lost dominance.

These ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ occupy various positions within the state machinery, offering seemingly innocent and public-friendly advice. Particularly concerning are issues of law and order, which had deteriorated due to corrupt officials in the past. Thanks to prompt and decisive actions by the current interim government, the situation has improved. However, challenges like conflicts, unnecessary tensions, road accidents, and traffic congestion persist, indicating that significant improvements are still needed.

Achieving long-term improvements may not be feasible during the tenure of this short-term government. They can set the direction for development, the benefits of which will materialise over time.

Saturday discussion focuses on the pressing issue of commodity prices. An old saying goes, ‘A full stomach makes for a happy heart.’ When people are well-fed, their temperaments remain pleasant. Conversely, an empty stomach leads to irritability, and no amount of sweet words can appease a hungry person.

August 5, 2024, marked a significant milestone in our national life. Without using any adjectives, it can be said that this day was a liberation day for the 170 million people of Bangladesh. The oppressive force that had burdened them for over a decade and a half fled abruptly. It was a day of emancipation for Bengalis, who began to envision new dreams for the country and its leadership. The internationally recognised individual who took charge inspired confidence, and the entire nation stood by him with renewed hope and colourful dreams. Such optimism is not unfounded; history offers many examples of new dawns following dark nights of despair.

While the nation welcomed the new dawn, questions remain about how the rest of the day will unfold. Will the bright morning sun be eclipsed? Will unforeseen storms arise? Readers may wonder why we feel apprehensive. It’s important to remember that even when a venomous cobra is crushed, its tail continues to move for some time. Although this movement may ultimately be harmless, caution is advised. Especially, when the cobra has escaped and is being nurtured elsewhere.

More importantly, the populace that warmly welcomed the interim government on August 8, will priorities their immediate needs. When they find it challenging to feed themselves and their families, especially the children, debates about past regimes become secondary. The focus shifts to who can effectively supply essentials like rice, lentils, oil, and vegetables. In this highly unequal society, a significant portion of the population struggles with even a small increase in rice prices, while others remain unaffected by substantial hikes. Since the current government took power, there has been a noticeable rise in commodity prices, particularly food items. Unfortunate events like severe floods in some districts have exacerbated the situation, leading to a continuous and unchecked price surge.

Given these circumstances, we have consistently urged the government to control commodity prices and maintain law and order. While law enforcement agencies have managed to stabilize the situation to some extent, agencies responsible for price control have shown little activity in recent months. The price of rice, once on the rise, shows no sign of decreasing. The same applies to fish, meat, oil, and spices. Despite the law of gravity applying universally, Bangladesh’s market prices defy this principle, rarely decreasing once they have risen. However, in the past week, there has been a slight reduction in the prices of eggs and onions. Additionally, the supply of winter vegetables has increased with the onset of the season, making them somewhat more affordable.

But can we sustain this relief? Those eager to undermine the interim government’s popularity from day one have realized that if commodity prices continue to fall, the government’s approval will rise. Therefore, they aim to prevent price reductions and instead push for increases across all goods and services, including food and medicine. Their strategy involves advising the government to raise VAT and supplementary duties, arguing that without addressing the significant budget deficit, governance will become challenging.

The proposed solution is to fill the deficit by extracting more from the public through increased taxes. While this seems straightforward—using public funds to cover government expenses—it’s essential to recognize that the public is already overburdened. Ordinary people, especially the working class, struggle to secure two meals a day. If the government imposes new taxes on consumables and services without consulting stakeholders, it will betray the public’s perception of a people-friendly administration.

The main architects behind price hikes, often referred to as ‘syndicates,’ continue to operate with impunity, just as they did under previous administrations. Despite frequent outcries against them, they somehow remain beyond the reach of the law, manipulating prices from behind the scenes.