Speakers at a human chain in Chattogram city on Thursday expressed deep concern over the abnormal rise in rice prices and demanded immediate government measures to control the rice market.
They alleged that unscrupulous traders are manipulating prices at will amid lax market monitoring.
The human chain was arranged by Bangladesh Food Security Network (KHANI), Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Chattogram, ISDE Bangladesh, and Pran on Jamal Khan Press Club premises. Youth CAB Chattogram Metropolitan President Abu Hanif Noman moderated the event.
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Citing official data, speakers said rice prices alone contributed nearly 40% to the country’s food inflation in May 2025 despite sufficient Boro season production, said a press release.
They blamed weak market monitoring, increased milling costs, price instability at the paddy level, and hoarding by corporate groups and millers for the soaring prices.
They said lower- and middle-income people, struggling with stagnant incomes, are being forced to rely solely on rice while cutting out essential nutrition such as fish, meat, pulses, and vegetables.
“This is creating long-term malnutrition and health risks especially for children and the elderly,” said KHANI General Secretary Nurul Alam Masud.
Quoting the UN Food Agency data, they said around 20% of Bangladesh’s population faces food insecurity with 3 out of 10 people unable to meet daily nutritional needs.
The World Food Programme 2024 data shows that the monthly cost for minimum calorie-based meals stands at Tk 3,051 per person—69.5% higher than the food poverty line.
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They placed five key demands at the human chain. These are:
1. Expand direct rice procurement from farmers by the government.
2. Introduce a rationing system for the poor and vulnerable groups.
3. Protect small farmers by strengthening production, pricing, and consumption capacities.
4. Increase OMS (Open Market Sale) and TCB food programmes to support at-risk communities.
5. Monitor rice markets, prevent hoarding, and break syndicate control to stabilise prices.
CAB Vice President S M Nazer Hossain, senior journalist and former president of Chattogram Journalists Union M Nasirul Haque, women's rights activist Jesmin Sultana Paru, Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation Secretary General Advocate Zia Habib Ahsan, Bangladesh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association leader Mohammad Selim Jahangir, and several other civic and political representatives voiced their concern at the event.