With a grim look, a porter waits at Karwan Bazar kitchen market footpath with his empty tukri (basket). Amzad Hossain is usually hired by shoppers at the market to carry their purchased goods. Yesterday, he could not earn a single penny from 7:00am to 12:00pm. He said he used to make up to Tk 500 daily, but now he struggles to make Tk 200, as the surge in commodity prices deters shoppers from purchasing in bulk. Photo: Prabir Das

Farmer Dulal Roy nurturing betel plants in his farm in Bhomra village of Khulna’s Dighaliya upazila. Betel growers tend to take constant care of the plants, as they grow faster with proper care. He said betel leaves in this area have a reputation throughout the country due to their sweet and delectable taste. The photo was taken recently. Photo: Habibur Rahman

A group of women jostling near a TCB truck, with a long queue waiting behind them, in the capital’s Kazipara area yesterday afternoon. With prices of essentials soaring, these people have no option but to purchase those from these trucks at subsidised prices. One package of essentials, containing 5kg rice, 2 litre edible oil, and 2kg lentils, are sold at Tk 470. PHOTO: AMRAN HOSSAIN