Bangladeshi pace bowler Rubel Hossain came out against the increased price of essential items like masks and hand sanitisers in the country, which is reeling under the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bangladesh has so far reported 24 cases and two casualties. He lambasted those “greedy enough” to charge high prices for the essential products in such a situation.
In a Bangla Facebook post, which The Dhaka Tribune translated, he wrote: “China went through a severe crisis recently, but the manufacturers there had reduced the price of the masks. Whereas with us, the moment we heard about coronavirus, masks worth 5 takas are now being sold for 50 takas. A mask of 20 takas has now ascended in price to 100 or 150 takas. Because we are greedy people. Price of mask, sanitisers and regular items in the market is increasing. Damn to those greedy, profiteer businessmen who are creating artificial crisis. They are the actual coronavirus of the country.”
Shortages and increase in prices of masks and sanitisers are a problem across the world. The Indian government had declared face masks and hand sanitisers as essential commodities as it stepped up efforts to boost supply and prevent hoarding of these items in its fight to check spread of coronavirus disease. The Centre invoked Disaster Management Act to ensure price regulation and availability of surgical and protective masks, hand sanitiser and gloves.
The decision would empower the government and States/UTs to regulate production, quality and distribution of masks and hand sanitisers for smooth sale and availability of these items. It also empowers to carry out operations against speculators and those involved in over pricing and black marketing. "It will enhance the availability of both the items to the general people at reasonable prices or under MRP (maximum retail price)," the ministry said. The government pointed out that masks and hand sanitisers are either not available in the market or are available with great difficulty at exorbitant prices, in view of the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.
