PM asks to remain alert about crisis of essentials on Ramadan

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked all concerned to remain alert so that none can create crisis of essential commodities during the month of holy Ramadan.

She termed food adulteration, stockpiling, black marketing and ill attempt of creating crises of the daily commodities ahead of the holy Ramadan very contemptible, calling upon all to remain cautious against those.

The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating 50 more model mosques across the country joining virtually from her official Ganobhaban residence on Thursday.

She also requested the Alems and Imams to inform people about those social menaces through the khutbas (sermons) in the mosques to decrease the tendency of charging additional prices.

“The Ramadan is ahead. Some unscrupulous businessmen are trying to increase the price of commodities. It is a very abominable task,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said her government is providing rice at Taka 30 per kg to one crore people alongside giving per kg rice at Tk 15 to one crore more people.

Besides, 30-kg of rice are being given to the hardcore poor people free of cost, she said, adding that various measures have also been taken as the people can purchase daily essentials such as oil, sugar, and pulse with TCB fair price cards.

She also called upon the rich people to help the poorer during the Ramadan.

She recalled the contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the development of Islam.

The premier said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave land in Tongi for holding the Biswa Ijtema, building Islamic foundation to spread the Islamic values and norms and purchased a Hizbul Bahar Ship to send Bangladeshis to Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Being imbued with the spirit of Islam and following the footsteps of the Father of the Nation, she said they have come up with the idea of constructing 564 model mosques across the country.

She earlier opened 50 mosques each in the first phase on June 10 in 2021 and in the second phase on January 16 in 2023.

The construction of the rest of the mosques is scheduled to be completed by June 2024.