During the Awami League's tenure, the market for daily necessities has always been unchecked. Market syndicates, with government support, are increasing the prices of all kinds of goods. In this context, the government seems to have taken no initiative. Following this trend, the prices of imported fruits, including dates, have increased this Ramadan. Recently, when questioned about this matter, Industry Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun became visibly agitated. In response, the minister retorted, "Why do you perform iftar with dates? Why do you always need grapes or apples? Is there nothing else to eat in the country? Why don’t you give guavas for iftar?"

This statement led to a strong backlash across the country, especially on social media, where people heavily criticized the minister. It has been reported in the media that tons of foreign fruits are being imported ahead of Ramadan, which has no effect on their market prices. Former Information Minister and government ally Hasanul Haq Inu raised the question, "If poor people cannot afford these fruits, are they only for MPs and ministers to eat?"

At an event, the president of JSD lambasted the Industry Minister, saying, "I will break my fast with plum, and you will eat dates and grapes. If you dare, go ahead. Ban the import of dates and grapes. You are import dates and grapes, and poor people will eat jujube? That's unacceptable."

He further stated, "People are suffering when shopping for daily necessities. You are mocking the people. The Prime Minister should kick out such a mocking minister right now. What audacity!"

Due to high tariffs, the prices of foreign fruits, including dates, have more than doubled this year. Abdul Malek, the manager of a wholesale fruit market in Shyambazar, Dhaka, informed that this year dates are out of reach for not only the poor but also the middle class. The price per kilogram of dates has more than doubled, with the lowest quality date priced at around 500 Taka.

Didar, who has been selling dates on the footpath in the Paltan area for a long time, told this reporter on Wednesday night that the 5 kg packet, which he used to buy for 1300 Taka a month ago, now costs 2900 Taka. "You can see how much the prices have increased," he said. He mentioned that people usually start buying dates for Ramadan from this time, but this year the number has significantly decreased.

Meanwhile, prices have risen from fish and meat to vegetables. The prices of rice, lentils, and eggs are also high. With the increase in electricity prices, there is new unrest. Especially low-income people are facing tough times.

Moreover, distribution companies are looking to raise the prices of gas and water under the pretext of reducing subsidies. The Planning State Minister mentioned that due to the increase in fuel and consumer goods prices in the global market, it is becoming difficult to manage the situation. However, according to Dr. Zahid Hussain, former Chief Economist at the World Bank's Dhaka office, the government needs to stand by the people during these times.

While the government talks about selling rice, lentils, and oil at fair prices from TCB trucks among low-income people, the supply is insufficient compared to the need. Before Ramadan, where TCB trucks used to sell goods almost daily in every ward of Dhaka, now it's only occasionally. A source mentioned that due to the lack of sufficient goods in the government warehouse, the general public will suffer this year.