The interim government is under mounting pressure from citizens across diverse economic and professional backgrounds to address soaring prices of essential goods, widespread corruption, and market syndication. Public outcry has intensified as these issues continue to threaten livelihoods and destabilize the economy.
Rising Prices Spark Public Outcry
Md Sayem Hossain, owner of Dhaka Rice Agency in Karwan Bazar, reported significant price hikes in staple items. “The price of miniket rice jumped by Tk 10 per kilogram in just one month. We used to buy it at Tk 71 per kg from Mohammadpur Krishi Market, but now it’s Tk 80,” he explained, attributing the increases to manipulative practices by rice mill owners in Kushtia and northern Bangladesh, as well as corporate hoarding.
Similarly, Abdul Malek, a wholesaler at Riazuddin Bazar in Chattogram, accused Munshiganj-based syndicates of manipulating potato prices. “We sell potatoes at Tk 35 per kg to retailers, who then sell them at Tk 50. Syndicates in Munshiganj control the market, reaping profits at the expense of middle- and low-income consumers,” he stated, calling for stricter regulatory measures and mobile court drives against price manipulators.
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), essential commodity prices have risen sharply over the past year. Coarse rice prices increased from Tk 48-50 per kg in January 2024 to Tk 55-60 per kg in January 2025.
Similarly, fine rice prices surged from Tk 60-75 per kg to Tk 70-80 per kg, while soybean oil prices climbed from Tk 155-160 per liter to Tk 163-166 per liter.
Experts Call for Systemic Solutions
Ghulam Rahman, former president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), emphasized the importance of an uninterrupted and corruption-free supply chain in controlling the prices of essential goods.
“If the supply chain is faulty, prices will remain high. Disruptions such as delays at river crossings, whether by bridge or ferry, and demonstrations or blockades by various groups contribute significantly to these issues,” he explained.
Highlighting the pervasive issue of extortion, Rahman noted that it is not limited to highways but extends to markets and shops, further inflating the cost of goods.
Addressing regional price disparities, he said, “The price of a product may vary between areas like Mirpur and Bashundhara, as Bangladesh is not a socialist country. However, prices must be affordable and rational.”
Rahman, who also served as a commerce secretary, called for increased competition and the entry of new suppliers to combat profiteering and protect consumers from exploitative practices.
Md Abu Bakkar, a private college teacher in Mirpur-1, accused certain corporate companies of manipulating the market for essential products such as rice, potatoes, turmeric powder, edible oil, lentils, and flour.
He noted that non-branded product suppliers are also exploiting the situation by raising their prices, leaving consumers with no viable alternatives.
“For instance, corporate companies have set the price of miniket rice at Tk 85-90 per kg. As a result, non-branded rice suppliers have priced the same variety at Tk 78-80 per kg, keeping their rates close to those of the corporate brands,” he explained.
Inflation and Syndication Worsen Economic Strain
The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported that the annual inflation rate rose from 9.73% in 2024 to 10.7% in 2025. Food inflation, a key driver, surged from 12.66% in October to 13.80% in November 2024.
Store owner Abdur Razzak from Dhaka’s Solmaid area urged the government to dismantle price-manipulating syndicates. “The price of miniket rice has reached Tk 85-90 per kg, and even during the potato harvesting season, prices remain unreasonably high,” he lamented.
Small Traders and Transportation Sector Voice Concerns
Vegetable vendor Limon from Mirpur called for permanent relief from extortion, saying, “While the situation has improved, I used to pay Tk 300-350 daily in bribes.”
Abdul Alim, a former textile factory owner, shared his struggles after closing his Sirajganj factory due to rising raw material costs, urging government support for the textile sector.
CNG-autorickshaw driver Md Monir Hossain and motorcycle ride-share driver Fazlul Haque expressed frustrations over inefficiencies at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and conflicts with rickshaw owners, respectively. Both demanded policy reforms to improve their livelihoods.
Government’s Response and Future Plans
Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has expressed optimism about reducing inflation. “Our goal is to lower inflation to 7% by June 2025 and further to 5% by the next fiscal year. Various policy measures are being implemented to achieve this,” he stated on December 14, 2024.
As public discontent grows, the government faces immense pressure to implement comprehensive reforms addressing corruption, price manipulation, and systemic inefficiencies to restore economic and social stability in Bangladesh.
