Prices for essential items such as dry food and drinking water have soared in flood-affected districts, as traders have increased prices due to heightened demand for relief materials, reports UNB.
Millions of people in 11 districts, including Feni, Lakshmipur, Comilla, and Noakhali, are stranded due to flash floods. In response, various organizations, university students, private institutions, and individuals have initiated relief efforts to assist the flood victims.
The demand for items like chira, muri, jaggery, biscuits, candles, matches, oral saline, bottled water, and life jackets has surged over the past three days. Many have accused unscrupulous traders of exploiting the situation by inflating prices.
The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) in Chittagong has expressed concern over the rising costs of boat fares, public transport, candles, dry foods, drinking water, and other essentials. CAB urged traders to support flood-hit communities rather than profiteering from the crisis. The call, issued in a statement on Saturday and signed by CAB officials, urged businesses to prioritize ethical conduct and stand by affected people instead of capitalizing on their misfortune.
The association also appealed to business communities, corporate houses, and affluent individuals to uphold business ethics and support relief efforts responsibly.
