Sirajul Islam, president of Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association, said, ‘The demand for dates is high during Ramzan. It takes about two months to import dates from countries like Algeria or Tunisia. But we cannot open the required LC right now. Plus we are paying a higher price for the dollar. “Additional duty has also been imposed on imported dates.”
In the meeting, Vice President of Bangladesh Pulses Traders Association, Bikash Chandra Saha said that due to the current dollar crisis, small traders are facing the toughest challenge. “Despite the month of Ramzan not arriving, prices of various types of pulses have increased. Small traders in this area cannot open LC. The market has come under the control of big importers. Market monitoring should start now, otherwise prices are likely to rise further.
However, Bashir Uddin, president of Moulvibazar Traders Association, believes that there will be no major crisis during Ramzan if millers continue to supply daily necessities regularly.
To reassure traders, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said in the meeting, “It is true that there is a dollar crisis in the country and many people are facing problems even in opening LCs for it.” We are in constant touch with the government on this.
He requested traders not to increase the prices of products during Ramzan.