Why no action against companies controlling egg, oil markets? asks Rizvi

Claiming that a few companies are controlling the egg and oil market, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today (22 November) criticised the interim government for its lack of action against such market manipulators.

"Potatoes now cost Tk70-75 per kg. If the situation remains like this people will lose confidence in the interim government," he said while addressing a rally in the capital's Nayapaltan organised in protest of the killing of rickshaw-pullers during the July-August mass uprising.

"A few companies are controlling the prices of eggs and oils. Why aren't you [the interim government] taking action against them? Why aren't you taking action against the market syndicates? Why are egg prices still so high? Why do low-wage earners like farmers and CNG-run autorickshaw drivers have to live the same life as before?" he said in criticism of the interim government.

The senior BNP leader continued, "People now want to feel a bit of happiness. If they do not get to enjoy even a little bit of happiness, all these democratic spirit, sacrifice, and bloodshed will completely be in vain."

Taking a jibe at the interim government's advisers, he said, "Some of your happy advisers will come and say big things and they will do whatever they want – this cannot be allowed to continue."

Rizvi also stated that the interim government will have to take responsibility quickly for the treatment of those who suffered injuries during the student-led uprising that ousted the Awami League regime.

"I, along with BNP National Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, went to NITOR four or five days ago. I saw that many people were still crying in the hospital. Some have no legs… some have become blind. Will the state not take responsibility for them? The state must," he added.