BNP asks govt why no drive against onion syndicates

BNP on Friday asked the home minister why the government is not conducting drives against onion syndicates as prices of the item - a common ingredient in Bangladeshi cooking - shoot out beyond people's buying capacity, reports UNB.

"Onion price was Tk 200 yesterday (Thursday) while it increased to Tk 250 today. The current trend suggests it will hit Tk 300 (per kilogram) very soon inflicting immense sufferings on the people," said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a demonstration programme, he alleged that the home minister is not conducting drives against onion syndicates as they are more powerful than him.

"Those who belong to onion syndicate are involved with Awami League, and you won't be able to touch them," he said pointing at the home minister.

Onion prices have been increasing in Bangladesh after India banned its export on 29 September with immediate effect till further order.

Jatiyatabadi Muktijuddho Projonmo staged the demonstration in front of BNP's Naya Paltan headquarters demanding BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's release.

Rizvi claimed that Khaleda Zia's health condition has deteriorated further and she has been suffering from acute pain. "Her (Khaleda) life is now at a stake for lack of proper treatment."

He alleged that the government is not providing Khaleda with treatment with an intention to kill her.

The BNP leader demanded the government take steps to release their chairperson on bail paving the way for her better treatment at a hospital of her choice.