CAB demands separate ministry as existing one failed to handle onion crisis

The Consumer Association of Bangladesh said the commerce ministry failed to control the spiraling price of onions because of non-cooperation by bussinessmen. 

CAB president Golam Rahman said that the commerce ministry is not working properly, so a separate ministry should be formed to protect consumer rights. 

Golam Rahman's comments were made in a written speech at a press conference on "Price Hike of Essential Commodities" held in the national press club on Wednesday. 

Speakers said some dishonest traders took the onion price beyond people's reach by organising a syndicate. 

"The government had asked major businesses to import onions in mid October, but they did not respond on time," said the CAB president.

"Using negligence as an excuse, some business groups, importers, hoarders, wholesalers and retailers formed a syndicate to increase the price of onions and make money," he added. 

Some speakers also said that importing onions by air could not improve things. The situation would not have become so bad had the government imported onions instead of sourcing them from inside the country.

Golam Rahman also questioned the annual onion demand of 24 lakh tonnes. 

Along with the price of onions, the price of other essential commodities like rice, oil, flour, vegetables also went up, making it difficult for people with a limited income to make ends meet.