PM Hasina wants to know reasons for rice price hike in peak season

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wanted to know from the authorities concerned why the prices of rice have been increasing in the peak harvesting season.

Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam told reporters after the cabinet meeting held at Ganabhaban on Monday.

She also ordered the authorities concerned to take stern action against big companies that may hoard paddy and rice unlawfully, Islam said.

Amid this situation, the Prime Minister asked the three ministries - commerce, food, and agriculture –to monitor the situation and find out about the hoarding of rice by unscrupulous businessmen.

Replying to a query, the cabinet secretary said he doesn’t want to disclose the names of the corporate groups that are hoarding commodities.

The food ministry informed the cabinet meeting, “To identify rice hoarders, we should conduct drives similar to what was done to find soybean oil hoarders.”

The secretary also said that along with home ministry, consumer rights protection authority, and mobile courts will participate in these fresh drives.