During the Second World War, the then British government introduced food rationing to provide relief to the general people against high price. The then Civil Supplies Dept. was given the responsibility of appointing ration dealers to sell essentials at a cheaper price.

Most essentials like rice, wheat, sugar, edible oil, butter oil or powdered milk etc. were procured by appointed ration dealers who sold these items to enlisted individual ration card holders of the area at the prescribed rate. Certain percentage of commission was allowed to the ration shop dealer. This rationing system was prevalent for many years in Bangladesh. Our government may buy those essentials in bulk quantity from countries like Malaysia, India, Thailand and Pakistan at competitive prices through the TCB. Initially, the system may be started in big cities and towns like Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna; for instance, on a rough calculation of area-wise population of Dhaka. The government may select 400/500 spots for ration shops.

The old files and retired food department officials may come up with the plan and procedures to implement this arrangement.

This is a tried and conventional method that worked successfully.

The level of prices of essential commodities has already exceeded the limit of tolerance. The way rains have set in and flood is looming, it seems that we are indeed heading towards a tough time. The government is so busy with reforms and the anti- corruption drive that they have failed to address the issue properly.

The people may very soon believe that a corruption free society and a marketplace where prices are within their affordability level don't go together! That would be the beginning of the end.
Mahmudul Hasan , DU