Staff Reporter :
Despite the commerce ministry’s attempt to set a price range for dates, a staple food item during the fasting month of Ramadan, the market is not aligning with the government’s rates. Business operators argue that selling dates at the prescribed rates is not economically viable and would hinder their ability to turn a profit.
Visits to various areas in the capital, such as Malibagh, Mouchak, Mogbazar, and Karwan Bazar, revealed that Zahidi dates, the most commonly used variety, are being sold for Tk250 to Tk320 per kilogramme, while lower quality dates are priced at Tk200.
According to a notice issued by the ministry on Monday, the price of low-grade dates was fixed at Tk150 to Tk165 per kilogram, while Zahidi dates were set at Tk170 to Tk180 per kilogram. However, industry experts like Serazul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importer Association (BFFIA), argue that these government-fixed prices are unrealistic and would not cover transportation costs and profit margins for importers.
Islam also expressed disappointment that the government did not consult with traders before setting the prices, suggesting that such dialogue could have led to a more practical solution.
