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Onion prices surge after India’s export ban
Rtv news
09 Dec 2023, 17:43
Retailers are selling onions at as high as Tk 200 a kilogramme in and outside of Dhaka, compared with Tk 130 on Thursday (Dec 7) in a shock development for consumers reeling under the higher cost of living.
The prices of onions have increased by Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg in Khulna as elsewhere in Bangladesh shortly after India banned its export till March 31 next year.
The prices jumped in the wake of India's extension of the onion export ban on Friday.
The neighbouring country India extended the ban until March, 2024 – three weeks before the current phase of restriction expired on December 31 – in order to increase the supply in the domestic market and control the price of the vegetable.
Though wholesalers and retailers in Bangladesh are blaming India's ban extension for the sudden increase, market observers questioned the spike since the embargo was not new.
Nahidul Islam, an onion trader, said the price of imported onion was higher as the importers imported onion at high price.
However, the recent announcement of India restricting export also made the onion market unstable.
"There is no reason for the onion price to almost double overnight."
But retailers were selling the homegrown variety of onion at Tk 204 a kg at Karwan Bazar in Dhaka today (Dec 9), compared with Tk 130 per kg on Thursday. Prices of Indian onion rose to Tk 110 from Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg.
"Besides, there is not enough supply as per demand in the local market."
Mohammad Abdul Mazed, general secretary of the Shyambazar Onion Wholesalers Association, said that India's export ban has had a big impact on the country's market. Rains in the past few days have also affected the prices.
"Supply crunch is another reason for the price hike."
The price has rocketed not just in Dhaka but also in other parts of the country.
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National Anthem Change not Contemplated: Religious Affairs Adviser
Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain said, there is no thought of changing the National Anthem of Bangladesh. The interim government will not do anything that creates controversy.
He said this before attending an exchange of views with representatives of all religions at the Rajshahi Islamic Foundation on Saturday (September 7)
noon.
Regarding the attack on religious places of worship, the Religious Affairs Adviser said that attacks on mosques, temples, and shrines are illegal, those who attack religious places of worship are enemies of humanity. They will be punished according to the prevailing law.
Apart from this, for the security of Durga Puja, the temple will be guarded by involving the local general public as well as Madrasa students in puja. So that there is no attack or sabotage. Madrasa students were not involved in any kind of militancy. It is a conspiracy and propaganda of the previous government.
Regarding the threat of a Hindu attack on the Bangladesh cricket team, the Religious Affairs Adviser said, "We want friendly relations with India as a neighboring country." We heard the news of the attack on our cricket team in India. Since BCB is there, they will decide what to do about it.
He also said that after the change of government, the houses of some Hindu followers were attacked, as well as the houses of Muslims. There is no way to see it differently. This government is for all, determined to ensure everyone's safety.
Protest Shuts Down Traffic on Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Highway
Traffic on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway was halted as transport workers staged a protest following an alleged attack on one of their senior drivers. The protest began early on Sunday, September 8, in the New Bridge area of Chattogram, where workers gathered, shouting slogans and blocking vehicles.
Passengers reported that no buses or large vehicles were running, and even smaller cars were stopped, with protesters forcing passengers to disembark.
According to the workers, the protest was sparked by an attack led by Musa, the secretary of the transport organization, after they opposed excessive extortion fees. They claim that Musa has been collecting inflated charges, and when workers protested, a senior driver was assaulted. Today’s protest aims to put an end to what they describe as Musa’s long-standing abuse of power.
Protesters compared Musa's actions to those of "dictator Hasina," accusing him of extorting Tk 1,680 from each bus traveling from Chattogram to Cox's Bazar. They further allege that Awami League MPs and ministers are benefiting from these extortion fees through various organizations and those who object are often met with violence.
A representative from the Arakan Road Transport Workers' Union expressed frustration, stating, "Musa has ruled over us without an election for 17 years, draining us with his illegal extortion. We are done with this dictatorship."
Army personnel have arrived at the scene to manage the situation, and leaders from several transport organizations are negotiating with the protesting workers to resolve the issue.
Ashulia Factories Resume Operations After Labor Unrest
The Ashulia industrial area in Savar has returned to normal operations after days of labor unrest. On Tuesday, September 10, workers resumed their duties at the factories, though increased security measures were put in place, with police and army personnel stationed to prevent any further disturbances.
Most factories in the Ashulia and EPZ areas reopened in the morning, and workers began entering their respective workplaces. So far, no reports of further unrest have surfaced, and law enforcement continues to monitor the area with additional personnel and patrols.
The unrest led to the closure of 90 garment factories on Monday, September 9, as workers protested over various demands. Following an emergency meeting between the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), labor leaders, and government officials, BGMEA President Khandkar Rafiqul Islam announced that workers’ demands would be met. The resolution included an increase in the tiffin allowance and attendance bonus for the workers.
The protests initially began on Sunday, September 8, with at least 30 factories shutting down as workers voiced their demands. By Monday morning, the demonstrations grew, forcing the closure of even more factories. After the BGMEA’s decision to meet workers' requests, operations in the factories resumed on Tuesday.
Students of Two Colleges Clash in Science Lab Area
Clash and chase happened between the students of Ideal College and Dhaka College at the capital's Science Lab intersection. Several students including journalists were injured in the incident. Traffic is closed in Science Lab area.
The incident started on Tuesday (September 10) around 1:30 pm.
According to the information given by a student, a student of Dhaka College named Pavel was beaten up by the students of Ideal College. Later they clashed.
Police and army personnel are trying to calm the situation.
DMP's Newmarket Zone Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) Tariq Latif Sami stated that the cause of the clash is yet to be ascertained. Students of two colleges have been fighting since noon. We are working to normalize the situation.
A journalist of Dhaka Tribune named Fardin Alam was seriously injured when a brick was thrown by the students and hit his head while broadcasting the incident live.
Fardin is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Doctors said that his condition was no longer critical.
Russia Seeks Stronger Bonds with Bangladeshi Media Community
On September 10, 2024, the Russian House in Dhaka held a press conference in honor of the International Day of Journalists' Solidarity, bringing together over 50 young media professionals from across Bangladesh. The event emphasized the challenges journalists face worldwide and highlighted the importance of solidarity, safety, and freedom for those working in the field.
In his opening remarks, P. Dvoychenkov, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between Bangladeshi media and the Russian House, noting the critical role media plays in promoting activities and fostering mutual understanding in today’s interconnected world.
Dvoychenkov also underscored the Russian House’s commitment to supporting a free and dynamic media environment. He recalled the participation of Bangladeshi journalists in the New Generation program, which facilitates short-term study visits to Russia. In 2023, seven Bangladeshi journalists visited Russia under this program, while another group of ten participated in the World Youth Festival in March 2024.
The event concluded with a screening of the Russian family comedy film "Cheburashka," directed by Dmitry Dyachenko. Attendees praised the film for its humor, warmth, and the positive message of friendship and kindness.
The conference provided a platform for open dialogue between the Russian House and Bangladeshi media, reaffirming the importance of continued collaboration in promoting a free and informed media landscape.
Bogura Edible Oil Factory Explosion: 4 Killed
4 workers died in an explosion during the repair of the reserve tanker of Majumder Rice Bran Oil Mill at Sherpur in Bogura.
The explosion happened on Thursday (September 12) around 2:30 pm.
The deceased are Md. Imran, Mohammad Sayeed, Md. Rubel, Md. Monir. All of them are residents of Syedpur Officers Colony in Nilphamari District.
Eyewitnesses said that the workers were repairing the reserve tanker of Majumder Rice Bran Oil Mill. Meanwhile, the welding flame suddenly entered the oil tank and caused an explosion. Several workers were injured.
Later, four of them were seriously injured. They were taken to Bogura Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital where doctors on duty declared them dead.
Confirming the matter, Chilimpur Medical Police Outpost Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Lalon Hossain told the media that the bodies of the deceased are currently in the mortuary of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital.
6 Killed Including Mother, Child in Cox's Bazar Landslide
6 people died from 2 families in separate incidents of landslides in Cox's Bazar due to heavy rain. Among them, three people including mother and child died in Sadar's Jhilongjha and 3 people were killed in the Ukhiya Rohingya Camp.
The death of three members of the same family took place in the South Dikkul area of Ward No. 2, Jhilongjha on Thursday (September 12) around 2:00 pm.
The deceased were Akhi Moni, wife of Mizanur Rahman of South Dikkul, and her two daughters Miha Jannat Naima and Latifa Islam.
According to the relatives, during the heavy rain around 1:30 on Thursday night, the sound of the landslide was heard from the direction of Mizan's house. Later, he went there and saw that Mizan's family was crushed. Mizan was immediately rescued alive. Later, his wife and two baby girls were recovered with the help of the fire brigade.
They also said that Mizan's house is at the foot of the hill. The heavy rain that started yesterday, Thursday (September 12) afternoon made the ground soft. Later in the night, a landslide fell on his house from above.
Meanwhile, the Additional Commissioner of Cox's Bazar Relief and Repatriation Commission office, Shamsudauza Nayan said that three houses were destroyed by a landslide in Hakim Para, Rohingya Camp No. 14 in Ukhiya due to heavy rain. Three members of the same family were killed. Volunteers are carrying out rescue operations in the destroyed houses. They are Kabir Ahmed's sons Abdur Rahim, Abdul Hafez and Abdul Wahed.
Abdul Mannan, assistant meteorologist of the Meteorological Department Cox's Bazar office, said that 401mm of rain had been recorded in Cox's Bazar in the last 24 hours, the highest record in a single day this season. Heavy rains have caused waterlogging in many parts of the district.
