PABNA, Apr 8: The common people of Pabna have erupted in protest against the creation of an artificial crisis by removing edible oil from the market due to the manipulation of unscrupulous traders.
The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has formed a human chain in the district town demanding the speedy arrest of and exemplary punishment for the guilty traders.
The programme was organized by the CAB Pabna District branch on Abdul Hamid Road in front of the Pabna Press Club at 11 am on Wednesday. Various professionals and conscious citizens of the district participated in the hour-long human chain despite the adverse weather.
In his speech at the human chain, CAB district branch president ABM Fazlur Rahman said, "An unscrupulous business syndicate has removed edible oil from the market in the greed for more profits. The government should quickly identify this syndicate and strengthen market supervision. Otherwise, ordinary buyers will be deprived of getting products at fair prices, which is a gross violation of consumer rights.
Former general secretary of Pabna Press Club Utpal Mirza, former general secretary of Reporters Unity Kazi Mahbub Morshed Babla, and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad district branch president Advocate Kamrunnahar Jolly spoke in solidarity at the programme moderated by CAB Joint General Secretary Shafiq Al Kamal.
The speakers alleged that consumers' pockets are being cut through artificial crises.
They demanded that the administration immediately ensure strict market monitoring.
Among others, Pabna Press Club Finance Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, Literary and Cultural Secretary Yad Ali also spoke. Mridha Pavel, Office Secretary Moniruzzaman Shipon, General Secretary of Suchitra Sen Smriti Rakshan Parishad Dr. Naresh Madhu, Pabna College teacher Dr. Alamgir Hossain and others. Journalists from various media outlets and local businessmen were present at the time.
At the end of the rally, the speakers warned that if the market situation is not brought under control quickly and hoarders are not brought under the law, then more stringent programs will be announced along with the common people.
