Bogura’s bustling markets, including Marina Market, Nadi Bangla Complex, and Chahir Uddin Market, have become epicenters of frenzied activity as throngs of consumers clamor for relief from the oppressive heat. Photo: Messenger
The scorching heat and persistent power outages have fueled a surge in demand for essential cooling products like charging lights, fans, and IPS systems in Bogura. However, this spike in demand has paved the way for unscrupulous traders to exploit the situation by significantly hiking up prices, leaving buyers feeling the financial pinch.
Bogura's bustling markets, including Marina Market, Nadi Bangla Complex, and Chahir Uddin Market, have become epicenters of frenzied activity as throngs of consumers clamor for relief from the oppressive heat. Sadiqul Islam Zahid, a resident hailing from Gabtali, expressed the predicament faced by many, stating, "From Chaitra onwards, my family and I have been enduring unbearable heat, exacerbated by erratic power supply. A charging fan has become a necessity, but the inflated prices make it unattainable."
Rezaul Karim, another disillusioned shopper from Kahalu, lamented the exorbitant price hike, narrating how the cost of a modest charging fan has surged by over 500 rupees within a month. The surge in prices has left many like Nasir Uddin from Shibganj upazila grappling with the harsh reality that essential cooling products have become a luxury beyond their reach.
Ainur Rahman, a prospective IPS buyer from Dupchanchia, echoed similar sentiments, bemoaning the steep escalation in prices that has rendered IPS systems financially out of reach for ordinary citizens. Traders, however, offer a different narrative. Milon Hossain, proprietor of Milon Electronics at Nadi Bangla Market, attributed the price fluctuations to the volatile nature of the market, stating, "Price stability is a rarity in today's market, compelling us to adjust our prices accordingly."
Mominul Haque, an electronic trader at Marina Market, echoed this sentiment, citing the escalating prices of raw materials, including IPS batteries, in Dhaka, which inevitably trickle down to local markets like Bogura. Despite these justifications, consumers remain disgruntled, accusing traders of exploiting the situation for financial gain.
In response to this exploitative trend, Bogura's Consumer Rights Directorate, represented by Assistant Director Iftekharul Alam, has initiated stringent measures to safeguard consumer interests. Through daily enforcement operations, efforts are being made to rein in unscrupulous traders who unethically inflate prices to capitalize on the soaring demand. Several errant traders have already faced penalties for their pricing practices, underscoring the commitment to upholding consumer rights.
Amidst the sweltering heat and escalating prices, Bogura's residents find themselves caught in a relentless struggle for survival. The unrelenting sun shows no mercy, while the unscrupulous tactics of traders further exacerbate their woes. In this battle for basic necessities, the resilience of the people shines through as they navigate through adversity with unwavering determination.
Yet, as the heatwave crisis persists, it serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic issues plaguing society, urging authorities to take decisive action to protect the vulnerable and ensure that profiteering does not triumph over the welfare of the populace.
The plight of its residents underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to alleviate their suffering. While the battle against nature's fury rages on, the battle against profiteering traders wages alongside, underscoring the importance of vigilant consumer advocacy in times of crisis.
Messenger/Disha
