News from the front

The price hike of rice and other essential food products, like edible oil, lentils and flour, continues to hit hard in Bangladesh as in other Asian countries. The rice price is now around 35-36tk per kilo, a twofold increase from the same time last year and out of reach for many lower- and middle-class families. Thousands stood in queues for hours waiting for their chance to purchase rice at 25tk per kilo at fixed-price shops around the city, but huge crowds and low supply meant that many went home empty-handed.

Farmers selling boro before harvest for pittance to survive

Middle-class, limited income group grapple with prices

Supply exhausts too fast for huge rush

Asia hit by soaring rice prices

Meanwhile, conflict flared in the eastern part of the city as ‘islamic activists’ protested the National Women’s Development policy, announced last month. The activists claim that some of the suggestions put forward in the policy are anti-Quran.

Second Day of Protest in Baitul Mukarram Area

Review body opposes equal rights for women