Price hike of essentials: JP, BNP MPs lambast govt

The Jatiya Party and BNP MPs yesterday engaged in a debate over the rising prices of essentials and deterioration of law and order with their counterparts in the ruling party during the 17th session at parliament.

JP Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu said he regularly went to the market and that the prices of goods have gone up a lot.

"The government initiative is not working. I don't think the government has any control on the market," Chunnu said, speaking on a point of order.

Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, BNP Joint Secretary General Harunur Rashid and BNP MP Rumeen Farhana criticised the government for prices of essentials, deteriorating law and order situation, and widespread corruption.

In response, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud said the JP leader was making false claims in parliament, adding that the prices of soybean oil and onions have started to fall following government initiatives.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present at the session while Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury was in the chair.

Meonon demanded a parliamentary enquiry over the recent dismissal of Anti-Corruption Commission deputy assistant director Sharif Uddin.

Menon said Bangladesh is moving forward on the path of development. But corruption in our country has come to the fore as an extreme challenge.