Ramadan
Measures in place to ensure supply of essentials in Ramadan: Tipu Munshi
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said on Wednesday that the initiative has been taken to stock seven daily essentials and ensure adequate supply to keep their prices stable during the fasting month of Ramadan.
The minister said this while speaking at the 5th meeting of the ‘Task Force on Review of Commodity Prices and Market Situation’ held at the conference hall of the Ministry of Commerce at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
Read more: Govt to soon fix prices of 9 daily essentials
He said necessary measures have been taken to ensure supply of edible oil, sugar, lentil, onion, dates, rice, and wheat as per the demand.
He said despite some difficulties in LC opening due to the current global situation necessary action has been taken to disburse foreign currencies through banks for LC opening to facilitate imports of essential commodities.
“The government of India has been informed not to stop the export of some essential items without prior notice. In addition, the Indian government has ensured supply of essentials as per Bangladesh's requirement,” the minister said.
He reassured that there will be no shortage of the essential commodities and the prices will remain normal considering all these aspects.
“Market monitoring will be intensified to keep the situation normal and there is no need to buy large quantities of these goods at once before the start of the Ramadan. The country's media can play an important role in creating public awareness in this regard,” the minister said.
Read more: Cabinet asks for a realistic assessment of price situation of essentials and tasks ahead
Prime Minister's Advisor on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman attended the meeting while Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh presided over the programme.
Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission Chairman Mahfuza Akhtar, Bangladesh Competition Commission Chairperson Pradeep Ranjan Chakraborty, Bangladesh Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) Chairman Brigadier General Md. Ariful Hasan, Director General of National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate AHM Shafiquzzaman, NBR’s representative Khandkar Nazmul Haque, Director (Foreign Exchange Operations) of Bangladesh Bank Abdul Haque, First Vice President of FBCCI Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu, representative of Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Kazi Md. Abdul Hannan, representatives of TK Group, City Group and various intelligence and security agencies were also present at the meeting.
Minimum or zero LC margin for imports of daily commodities for Ramadan, says Tipu Munshi
Minimum LC margin or LC zero margin has been allowed for importing essential commodities to meet consumption demands for next Ramadan, said Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Wednesday.
But because of LC opening other businesses will not suffer, he said.
Later, buyers can pay the dues of the commodities after 6 months as per the rules, he added.
“Dollars are being supplied as per the market situation in terms of imports. However, for remittance payment the amount is not given less,” he said.
The minister said the prices of pulses, oil and sugar, which need to be imported, have increased slightly following increase in the global market.
Read more: E-commerce has a billion-dollar prospect in Bangladesh: Tipu Munshi
But the prices of agricultural products in the country are low and may stay stable for the next two to three months, he added.
He said the prices of imported goods have increased because of higher dollar rates. In line with the dollar rates the prices of those goods are being fixed. That’s why the inflation remained under control compared with other countries, he said.
The minister said that the purchasing power of the people is limited. So, as long as it is necessary, one crore families will be provided with essential commodities at subsidized prices through TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh).
He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked all to be economic to check the cost of imports. About 40 percent electricity consumption of the country has been reduced through special initiatives.
Currently, the difference between the import and export volume has narrowed. Dollars are being saved by reducing imports of luxury goods.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh Bank has allowed 8 essential commodities “usance term” (credit for suppliers/buyers) to meet consumption demands for next Ramadan.
Read more: LCs under scanner to check money laundering: Tipu Munshi
The foreign exchange policy department of Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday issued a circular on 90-day credit facility for suppliers/buyers of these commodities with immediate effect. This facility will remain applicable for the initiation of imports till March 31, 2023.
Traders got the opportunity to import edible oil, chickpeas, pulses, peas, onions, spices, sugar, and dates under 90 days of suppliers'/buyers' credit.
Have sufficient food stock till Ramadan: Cabinet Secy
There will be no food crisis till the next Ramadan in the country, said outgoing Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam on Tuesday.
The food stock position up to next June shows that there will be no food crisis, he told reporters after a meeting of the Committee of Secretaries at the Secretariat.
Read more: IFC giving $32.5 million to ensure food security in Bangladesh
The Agriculture Secretary has been coordinating for the last six months in this regard. “More than 16 lakh tonnes of food remains in stock. So we are in a good situation.”
He said the yield of Aman paddy has been good this year as Aman has been cultivated in the low lands as the drought has been prolonged.
Besides, various food aid services including open market sale (OMS) will continue, he added.
On November 27, all secretaries had a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a follow-up meeting was held today, said the cabinet secretary.
“We have received a review from all our secretaries on the cost reduction efforts like how entertainment cost is reduced, how electricity bill is reduced, then how much is being reduced in petrol consuming,” he said.
Read more: Russia wants to support countries in energy, food security: Ambassador
It has been possible to reduce the cost of electricity by about 48 percent since June, he said adding that the Prime Minister's office has reduced it by more than 60 percent and 40 percent cost reduction in fuel consumption has been possible, he added.
In the meeting of the secretaries with the Prime Minister, directive was given to get prepared for any possible crisis, he said .
Asked about the crisis, he said, it is not a political issue. If the supply chain is stopped due to any reason, for one or two months, all have been asked to get prepared for that, added the cabinet secretary.
No dollar crisis in banks from next month: Salman F Rahman
Prime Minister's Private Industries and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman on Saturday said the existing dollar crisis in banks will be gone by next month.
read more: Bangladesh broadens its sources for energy supply; no shortage of dollars: FM
“Necessary goods can be imported ahead of Ramadan and there will be no crisis during the month of Ramadan,” Rahman said while replying to journalists after placing a wreath and paying tribute at Mujibnagar mausoleum in Meherpur.
He said prices of essentials in the global market have gone up and it has created a pressure on Bangladesh’s economy.
read more: Remittance: Bangladesh Bank tells banks to provide Tk 107 per dollar
“Yet we are selling essential commodities to 1 crore families through TCB. As at least 4 to 5 crore people are getting benefited from it, no major problem will remain,” he said.
Educational support: Lafz hands over 25% of Ramadan campaign proceeds
To support underprivileged children's education, Singapore-based global venture Lafz, owned by Believe Pte, has handed over 25 percent of the proceeds from its sales earned during a Ramadan campaign.
Halal-certified brand Lafz ran the campaign "Gift a Smile" where it was said that 25 percent of the proceeds from the sales would be used to support the education of underprivileged children.
Recently, Asroy Foundation, Social Association and Care Organization and Navadyom Foundation were given Tk150,000 each by Md Jahidul Islam, head of operations of Believe.
Read: IBBL inaugurates ATM Booth at Kamalapur Railway Station
The event also saw the signing of an agreement with these foundations through which Lafz took on the responsibility of educating 500 children up to the eighth grade in the first phase.
Lafz has the vision of taking responsibility for the education of 1 million underprivileged children globally by 2025, according to a media statement.
Bangladesh observes Jumatul Wida
Jumatul Wida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, is being observed across the country with due religious solemnity and reverence.
Jumatul Wida has a special importance as it is a prelude to the departure of the holy month for the Muslims.
Also read: Largest congregation on Juma'atul Wida held at Hajiganj amid pandemic
Civic body fails to keep Nachol hydrated
Amid soaring temperatures during the fasting month of Ramadan, residents of Nachol in the northern district have been struggling to get something as basic as potable water.
The aggrieved residents claim that water scarcity is an annual occurance in Nachol, but the authorities concerned have so far failed to provide any relief. In fact, repeated complaints to local civic body officials have only fallen on deaf ears, they say.
Every morning, long queues of people can be seen before water tankers in several areas. The lucky ones get water, others are forced to return home empty-handed.
Abdur Rakib, a resident of ward-8, said, “We get water supply once a day and that's not enough for drinking, cooking, bathing and other purposes. The municipality has hiked taxes but failed to provide water to people.”
“It feels like we are living in a desert amid Ramadan. We have been forced to use water from a nearby pond for cleaning of utensils for the past few days,” Shahnewaj Parvin, a housewife from the area, said.
Local farmers fear that this water scarcity may snowball into a food production crisis. "Without water, we will not be able to water our crops. It's high time that the authorities woke up from slumber," said a farmer.
When contacted, Abdul Malek, assistant engineer of Nachol Municipality, was quick to admit the water crisis.
Read Also: Govt working to resolve water crisis: Minister
IBBL ICT wing holds discussion, hosts iftar party
The ICT wing of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) recently organised a discussion on the holy month of Ramadan, and hosted an iftar party in the capital.
Mohammed Monirul Moula, managing director and chief executive officer of the bank, addressed the programme as chief guest.
Md Omar Faruk Khan, additional managing director of IBBL, and Mohammad Ali, chief risk officer of the bank, spoke as special guests.
Mohammad Jamal Uddin Mazumder, senior executive vice-president and head of the ICT wing, presided over the programme.
IBBL is a joint venture public limited company engaged in commercial banking business based on Islamic shariah.
It is listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong Stock Exchange.
Lessons of Ramadan: What does the holy month teach us?
Fasting is an important basic act of worship in Islam. Like every act of worship in Islam, there is a lot of wisdom in fasting. Moreover, the importance and significance of fasting in our lives are immense. The true teachings of love for creation and desire for welfare should be reflected in our hearts and lives through Ramadan. In addition to worship in Ramadan, it is also necessary to acquire education in some humanities. Let’s see what we can learn from Ramadan.
The Teachings of Holy Ramadan
Taqwa or Fear of Allah
Taqwa means fear of Allah (God). Ramadan teaches us the most, taqwa. In the last verse of the verse in which Allah has declared fasting obligatory, He said, "So that you may attain taqwa." A fasting person can eat something secretly in the corner of the house if he wants. But, no one does that as the person has fear of Allah. But, we should not only fear Allah during Ramadan, we should hold fear all time. We can learn this lesson of Ramadan and apply it to our daily life by doing good deeds by knowing that Allah is watching us.
Read: Ramadan Fasting with Diabetes: Best foods for Sehri and Iftar
Self-control
Self-control means to suppress oneself, to control oneself. In other months, we do bad things or use bad words, these happen very rarely among us during Ramadan. For the sake of the purity of Ramadan, many times we refrain from these misdeeds by thinking about the sanctity of Ramadan. This habit of self-control is formed in us only during the month of Ramadan and we need to continue this throughout the year.
Patience
Iftar items are ready on the table, but we are not taking anything until the Azan or the exact time to break the fast. This is patience. Someone hurts you, but you did not reply back as you are fasting. This teaches us passion.
Further, Ramadan teaches us great patience even in worship. We are fasting every day and after completing the Esha prayer we are performing 20 Rakat Taraweeh prayers. This also teaches us patience, which we can use in our real life.
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In other months, sometimes our laziness comes during performing obligatory prayers, but during Ramadan, our laziness does not come at all. That’s how Ramadan teaches our patience
Moderate Diet
It is forbidden in the hadith to eat too much and the negative effects of eating up to the throat are also mentioned in the hadith. Medical science also warns us about this. We are consciously or subconsciously careful about this in the month of Ramadan. Hence, we tend to eat less food in iftar as we have to attend Taraweeh.
Moreover, we eat as little food as possible in Iftar, otherwise, it will be difficult to perform Taraweeh. We can imply this throughout the year to keep ourselves healthy. So, we can make it a habit for the rest of the year and keep this lesson in our minds.
Read: Healthy Iftar Meal Recipes for Breaking Ramadan Fasting
Good sense of discipline
The well-disciplined feeling that Ramadan teaches us every day, from Sehri to Tarabeeh, is important to our lives, even if we don't see it. During Ramadan, every fasting person has a specific routine, according to which the person manages the whole day. We have to carry this Ramadan-given routine for the sake of welfare even after Ramadan.
Helping the Poor
Ramadan actually gives us a special opportunity to help the poor through Zakat and donation. During Ramadan, almost every eligible person pays Zakat to the rightful owners according to their ability. Through this Zakat, we create special sympathy for the poor, orphans, and helpless people of society. We can keep this as a habit even after Ramadan throughout the year.
Read: Ramadan Fasting Benefits: Impacts on health when you fast for 16 hours
Provide Food to Other
The beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has clearly told us that there is a great reward if we feed someone. In Ramadan, many people come forward to arrange Iftar-sehri for the helpless, aiming to get huge rewards. It awakens a kind of human feeling in us. The gentle mentality of giving food to the hungry develops in us. This is a great lesson we can make a habit even after Ramadan.
Lighten the Labor of the Workers
Ramadan has been instructed to lighten the burden of hardship on employees and to be kind to the workers. Workers' rights are important in Islam. His labor hours, labor value, social status, and rights are preserved in the most beautiful way in Islam.
In addition, during the month of Ramadan, it has been instructed to alleviate the sufferings of the workers, and Allah forgives the person who reduces the workload of his slaves and employees during this month. However, the opposite situation is observed in our country. We can learn this empathy from Ramadan and imply to our life after Ramadan too.
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Suppression of Malice
Fasting is the best tool to suppress evil instincts. As a result, people tend to refrain from sin and get encouragement for good deeds That is why fasting has been called the shield of salvation from sin Narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA), Rasulullah (SAW) said, "Allah Ta'ala said, 'Fasting is a shield.'
Equality and Harmony
All Muslims at the same time, in the month of Ramadan, abide by the same rules, refraining from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. And collectively, that is, rich-poor, fair-black, men and women all obey the command of Allah together. Hence, the image of great unity emerged. Fasting teaches people to refrain from quarrels and fights In this way, it encourages the establishment of harmony and love between each other.
Final Words
These teachings and leassons of Ramadan will be effective only when we apply these in the remaining 11 months of the year. We have to spend the every day of our lives focusing on these lessons and applying them to our daily life.
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Ramadan Fasting with Diabetes: Best foods for Sehri and Iftar
Most Muslims around the globe fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Although most people are able to do it without much problem, things are not the same for those who suffer from diabetes. If you suffer from diabetes, we recommend you consult your doctor before fasting. Besides, we have some tips on how to continue your Ramadan fasting with diabetes. Continue reading to know what diabetic patients should eat or drink and what to avoid for Ramadan fasting.
What to eat and drink for Sehri during Ramadan If you are Diabetic
If you are suffering from diabetes and choose to continue fasting, you need to be aware that you may experience Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose or you may experience Hyperglycemia or high blood glucose.
However, during Ramadan fasting, you need to maintain a strict diet to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. As your fasting has started with Sehri or Suhoor, you must put much concentration on Sehri or Suhoor diet.
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Make sure you hydrate yourself because it is the day ahead of you. So, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids and eat fluid-rich foods. Besides, you must take starchy foods for energy. Moreover, you need to eat high-fiber content food or wholegrain to remain fuller for a longer time. You should do so as they aid in digestion and prevent constipation. Check below some of the foods and drinks ideas:
Oats
If you have diabetes, eat Oats in your Sehri meal. This is whole grain food. With Oats, you can make congee. It is usually made with either water or milk. You will get the required fluids from this meal. Oats are rich in antioxidants and contain a powerful soluble fiber. Oats are helpful to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control. If you wish to stay full longer, make sure you take oats regularly in your Sehri.
Starchy food
Among the starchy foods, you can choose potatoes which are a good source of energy, fiber, B vitamins, and potassium. Bread, especially wholemeal, granary, brown, and seeded varieties is another starchy food that can be a part of a balanced diet. Besides, you can put cereal products, rice and grains, and pasta into your diet.
Read Healthy Iftar Meal Recipes for Breaking Ramadan Fasting
Although both sugary and starchy carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels, these foods can play a role in a balanced meal plan when you take the right amounts.
Why you must choose starchy foods:
- controlling blood sugar levels.
- lowering inflammation.
- reducing the risk of heart disease.
- increasing antioxidant activity.
- reducing the risk of kidney disease.
Wholegrain
You can eat chapatis (Roti) or wholemeal toast in Sehri. These kinds of foods will provide you with the necessary fiber. But make sure you avoid eating bread with salty foods like preserved meat or hard cheese. However, soft cheese, banana, or nut butter are suitable for you.
Read 10 Healthy Iftar Drinks for Breaking Ramadan Fasting
High-fiber cereals
In Suhoor, you can eat high-fiber cereals. These foods are loaded with minerals and vitamins. You can eat cereal with milk. Therefore, you would get fluids and other nutrients like iodine, calcium, and B-vitamins from this meal.
Yogurt
At all times of the year, Yogurt is a good option for diabetic patients. So, if you want to keep fasting for Ramadan add Yogurt to your suhoor meal plan. It offers nutrients such as calcium, protein, B-vitamins, and protein along with fluid. You can consume Yogurt with a combination of cereal or fruits.
Read Ramadan Iftar Ideas: Healthy foods, drinks to break your fast
What to eat and drink for Iftar when you have Diabetes
When you are fasting with Diabetes, make sure you break the fast by eating low-fat and fluid-rich foods. Your preferable foods must contain natural sugar contents for energy. Besides, you need to drink a lot of fluids. You can take the following foods and drinks for Iftar to break your fast during Ramadan.
Dates and Other Dried Fruits
Dates are rich sources of natural sugar that will supply energy. Furthermore, Dates are rich in minerals like manganese, copper, and potassium. Besides, dates are a great source of fiber. Furthermore, dates are enriched with protective antioxidants.
Dates offer multifarious health benefits. It supports gut health and bone health. Dates can facilitate a natural birth. Dates are a great sugar replacement.
Read Healthy Sehri Ideas: What to eat and avoid for Sehri during Ramadan
When you are a diabetes patient, you should eat dates as they allow their carbs to be digested a bit more slowly. Moreover, they help prevent blood sugar spikes as they have a low GI. So, dates can be your safe choice as a diabetic.
Along with dates, you can also eat dried fruits such as figs, apricots, prunes, or raisins to get nutrients and fiber.
Soup
For diabetes patients, it is better to break their fast in a light way. In this case, soup can be your best choice. Soups are generally meat-based broths. Vegetarian soups may contain pulses such as beans and lentils or starchy foods such as grains or pasta. It offers nutrients, energy, and fluids as well.
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Besides, soup has better diet quality as it helps to reduce fat and increases protein and fiber intake. Moreover, eating soup may reduce hunger and increase fullness.
Fruits
Remember fruits give natural sugars that provide you with instant energy along with vitamins, minerals, and fluid. So, it can be a good option to break the fast.
Besides, fruits are high in fiber. They provide huge health-boosting antioxidants, including flavonoids. If a person eats a diet high in fruits and vegetables, it can reduce his risk of developing heart disease, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes.
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However, not all fruits are healthy for diabetic patients. The term GI (glycemic index) measures how food affects human blood sugar. Foods that are low on the GI scale tend to raise blood sugar slowly. Some popular fruits like Dates, Mangoes, Apples, Pears, Oranges, and Bananas are on the lower end (55 or lower) of the GI Scale. On the other hand, Papaya and watermelon have high (70 or higher) GI indexes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, both berries and citrus fruits are recommended as superfoods. According to WebMD the healthiest fruits for Diabetic Patients are oranges, blackberries, strawberries, and tomatoes.
Drinks
You can also break the fast by drinking low-fat milk, water, smoothies, or low GI fruit juices. Water is the best drink that provides hydration without added sugar or extra calories. Make sure you take milk or fruit-based drinks as they offer nutrients and natural sugars.
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Which Foods, Drinks Should the Diabetic People Avoid for Sehri and Iftar
As a diabetic patient, try to ensure that your diet is healthy and nutrient-rich as much as possible. However, you should avoid both salty and sugary foods and drinks if you have diabetes.
Bottom Line
Fasting has immense health benefits. It is good for diabetic patients too. However, for healthy Ramadan fasting, diabetic patients are recommended to consult doctors. Your Ramadan fasting with diabetes can be smooth and easy with the above-mentioned foods and drinks ideas.
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