Abnormal price hike of onion requires investigation: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Saturday that an investigation is necessary to detect the people behind abnormal price hike of onion in Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that the price of this essential cooking ingredient spiraled in many other countries but its abnormal price hike in Bangladesh required an investigation if any plot caused the situation, reports BSS.

“So we’ve to see whether anybody is involved in any plot (regarding the onion),” she said.

The Awami League president came up with the statement while addressing the 3rd national council of Awami Swechchhasebak League, an associate body of the ruling party, at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday.

She said the government has decided to import onion by cargo planes in view of its abnormal price hike alongside launching an investigation.

Sheikh Hasina said the price of onion is also high in the countries from where the government is importing this essential commodity.

The prime minister said onion-loaded cargo planes are expected to reach the country in next one or two days.

Urging all not to worry about the problem, the prime minister said onion has been loaded in the cargo planes and it will reach the country by tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. “Don’t worry, we’ve taken that initiatives,” she added.

The prime minister said the price of onion rises due to weather as it cannot be preserved for a long time. “So, anybody who wants to earn some money by hoarding and increasing the price of onion, he or she will have to think that it’s a perishable commodity,” she said.

Mentioning that efforts are being made to dry the rotten onion, Sheikh Hasina said: “We’ve to see why and who are behind this (the price hike).”

Pointing out that the price of onion in India is also high, the premier said the people have to buy one kilo onion at Rupees 100 or more there.

“The price in only one state of India is less as it is not allowing its onion to go to other states. The overall the price is high in India,” she said.

Vowing again that the ongoing drive against graft, terrorism and narcotics will continue, Sheikh Hasina said peace and security will have to be ensured in the life of the people of Bangladesh.

“The country’s development is possible if a peaceful environment exists,” she said, posing a question why money will be made by committing corruption and stealing?

The prime minister said the people of the country will no more tolerate leading luxurious life by anybody through earning money in a dishonest way like graft, extortion and terrorism.

“Eating ‘noon-bhat’ (rice with salt) in the honest way is good and a matter of honour and dignity than having biriyani (rich food) through the illegally-earned money,” she said.