Jatiya Party MP doubts govt’s claim of ample rice stock

The government does not have enough rice in stock, a Jatiya Party MP has said amid a significant hike in prices for the staple grain.

Md Sawkat Chowdhury, representing Nilphamari-4, made the remark in parliament on Sunday where the party forms opposition, besides being an ally of the ruling Awami League.

“Why should rice cost double in peak season? This is a problem we must look at. What kind of stock do we have?

“If there is sufficient supply, then why have the prices doubled? It’s all hollow words. I think there is nothing in stock.”

Prices of rice have gone up manifold over the past one year. The cost of coarse rice, consumed by the masses, has increased 32 percent per kilogram in just one year, according to the government’s own survey.

Coarse rice per kilogram cost Tk 42 to Tk 45 in May, which was between Tk 32 and Tk 34 last year, according to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh.

The price of medium-grain rice was between Tk 46 to Tk 50 -- a 14.29 percent rise from last year. The cost of fine-grain rice was up 7 percent.

“Name one item for which price has not increased?  Try to control the prices of rice and other essentials. Don’t speak rubbish, you’ve said enough of that,” said Chowdhury in apparent attacks on the government.     

He continued: “Power can be slippery. At least 90 percent are against the government. They went over to the opposition when you said you’ll tax their bank accounts. Dhaka has 18 seats, I’m not sure if you can win one in the next election.”

There are no mega projects in Rangpur Division, he said, complaining about unequal budget allocations.

“It’s Tk 4 trillion budget. I should get at least Tk 1 billion, or maybe Tk 500 million.”

Commenting on Jatiya Party’s relationship with Awami League, he said, “We won’t fight no matter how much the discrimination. It doesn’t take much time for power to slip away.”

“We will point you to the problems you have. You have to let people live in peace. Keep us on your side. The Jatiya Party did not betray the Awami League.”