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Download PDF Food Adviser Tapan Chowdhury’s remarks on government’s role in tackling the skyrocketing prices of rice have triggered sharp reaction both within and outside the government.
Contradicting his remarks, Finance Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam yesterday said the government certainly has responsibility to rein in the soaring prices of rice.
“I do not agree that the government has nothing to do with the price hike. It must have responsibility in this regard. We are carrying out that task. The government is doing its best,” Mirza Aziz told reporters after attending a seminar at Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation in the capital.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Tapan Chowdhury said the government now has nothing to do with reducing the prices of rice.
Leaders of political parties also bitterly criticised and protested the his comment, and termed it ‘irresponsible and ridiculous’.
Several advisers, government policymakers and high officials criticised the comment, terming it ‘irresponsible and foolish’.
An adviser holding important portfolios like food, disaster management and energy should not have made such comment, they said.
A highly placed source at the Chief Adviser’s Office on condition of anonymity told The Daily Star that Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed expressed utter dissatisfaction over Tapan Chowdhury’s remarks. He also advised Tapan to refrain from making such comments in future.
The remarks came up for serious discussions among the advisers as well as high officials, and they also talked about that informally.
Some advisers contacted Tapan Chowdhury and wanted to know what prompted him to make such remarks that simply went against the government.
They said the government must not express its inability to handle any matters. It has many things to do and is trying its best to bring down rice price within the buying capacity of general people and keep it stable, they mentioned.
REACTION OF POLITICAL LEADERS
Different political parties yesterday severely criticised the government for the continued price spiral of essentials, especially rice, and remarks of the food adviser.
Coming down heavily on the government for the spiralling prices, Awami League Acting President Zillur Rahman feared that many people might die due to lack of food if the current trend of prices continues.
The government has completely failed to control the price hike of essentials, he said while talking to reporters at his Gulshan residence in the capital. He demanded urgent steps to bring down the prices to ease people’s sufferings.
Zillur also urged the government to initiate dialogue with political parties to resolve the prevailing ‘political deadlock’ and the price spiral issue.
Asked whether they demand resignation of the adviser concerned for his failure to control the price hike, he said the government should decide what to do about it.
In his reaction to the remarks of Tapan Chowdhury, BNP Acting Secretary General Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (appointed by the party standing committee) said it is the responsibility of the government to ensure food security.
“So, the government should take the initiative. It should import food, if necessary, through spot tenders, and also continue diplomatic efforts in this regard,” he told journalists.
Considering the food situation and price hike of essentials, different political parties also demanded that the government introduce rationing. And it should also hold discussion with the parties to frame strategies to ensure supply of essentials at affordable prices, they said.
Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) President Manjurul Ahsan Khan and General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim in a joint statement said Tapan Chowdhury’s comment sounded a fun with the people who are now in distress due to the price hike.
They asked the government to go for immediate import of rice, and supply of it at subsidised price.
Workers Party of Bangladesh in a press statement said the food adviser’s comment has contributed to deterioration of the market situation, and he has to take responsibility for this.
The other parties which came up with similar reaction to Tapan’s remarks included Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD-Khalequzzaman), Bam Gonotantrik Front, Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal (ML), Gonotantrik Bam Morcha, Gonotantrik Andolon, Bangladesh Jubo Moitree, Jatiya Mukti Council and Bangladesh National Awami Part.
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