Unbridled exploitation
Prior to coming to Houston, Texas, in the month of July 2011, we required to do some shopping. Back in Dhaka, as we happen to live near Bashundhara Shopping Complex, we preferred shopping at the mall.
At the Bata shoe store, probably on 6th/7th floor, I came across a sandal-shoe on display, which fascinated me, though I did not need one. I took a look at the sandal-shoe and was shocked and dismayed to see the price tag! It was either Tk. 5,000.00 or Tk. 6,000.00. I thought they must have put one additional zero by mistake, but upon inquiry I was told it was the correct price.
After about eight months in Houston, I came across a similar sandal-shoe or may be even better at the Walmart stores and bought it for only US $13.00 with tax, by converting (13X85) into BD taka it is only Tk.1,105.00.
It is really astonishing how it is possible for a Bangladeshi to buy a pair of sandal-shoe for Tk.5,000.00/ Tk.6,000.00 while the per capita income is perhaps less than US$1,000.00, whereas the per capita income in the United States is US$40,000.00 plus!
I have learned with great dismay and dissatisfaction that the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed and are causing untold sufferings to the common people back at my homeland.
One of my childhood friends recently migrated to the United States and is now living in NY, which is considered to be one of the most expensive places to live in the United States.
While talking on the phone the other day, he told me he was shocked to see the prices of the essential commodities, which appeared to him to be rather cheaper compared to the prevailing prices back at home.
I told him that it was even cheaper in Houston compared to NY. He exclaimed, no wonder why people want to migrate to the United States.
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