Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna blamed market syndicates for the increase in commodity prices and alleged that the government itself is nurturing the market manipulators.

Speaking at a signature collection programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, he also said Sheikh Hasina's government, considers itself very powerful, but it cannot control the syndicate.

“They foster the syndicate like nurturing animals at home...our government nurtures many goons and the big businessmen in the country,” Manna said.

He said the government allows the syndicates to do whatever they want only to get their support in times of need such as during the election.

The Nagorik Oikya president said over a month has elapsed since the ‘so-called’ national election was held, but the prices of all commodities are higher than before. “An election was held on January 7, but the prices of the commodity still did not fall.”

Stating that the fasting month of Ramadan will begin on March 17, he questioned whether the government can reduce the price of goods to give some relief to the people. “The government has lifted taxes on rice, oil, sugar and dates... but the prices of these items have not decreased."

Manna said the government grants loans to big businessmen, only for that money to be illicitly siphoned off overseas.

He also alleged that different big companies siphon off money abroad without repaying bank loans as the government cannot take any action against them. “This regime also fails to address the soaring prices of commodities and it cannot ensure people have enough food to satisfy their hunger.”

The Nagorik Oikya leader said they believe it is possible to lower commodity prices by controlling the syndicate and increasing market monitoring.

Nagorik Oikya launched the mass signature collection programme in favour of democracy and to reject the January 7 national election.

The organisers said they are taking signatures of people from all walks of life in all cities and districts across the country as part of the party’s move to turn down the 12th parliamentary election and to justify the opposition parties’ demand for the restoration of democracy through a fresh election under a neutral government.

Manna said they have so far conducted eight signature campaigns in Dhaka city. “Similar signature campaigns have started in other cities and districts of Bangladesh. This signature campaign will continue. We will show millions of people give their signatures in favour of democracy to send out a message to the government that it has no right to stay in power.”