Ramadan Worries: Bangladesh Muslim Community Worries About Increasing Prices and Shortage of Essentials
With the holy month of Ramadan around the corner, Bangladesh's Muslims are in a state of anxiety and worry. The spiraling prices of necessities, combined with a shortage of staple food items, have put a shadow on the festive season. The people are apprehensive that the rising prices of daily commodities will make it difficult for them to celebrate the month of fasting and spiritual contemplation with the traditional zeal.
The cost of rice, wheat, oil, and sugar has gone through the roof in the past few months, straining budgets at home. The lack of necessities has added to the problem, with many questioning how they will be able to sustain their families during Ramadan. The month of Ramadan is supposed to be a time of spiritual rejuvenation, but the financial pressures are affecting the morale of the community.
The government of Bangladesh has made efforts to resolve the problem, but the efforts appear to be inadequate. The government has made plans to provide subsidized food packets to poor families, but most are doubtful about the success of this program. As the prices of necessities continue to increase, most are concerned that the efforts of the government will not be sufficient to ease their plight.
The Muslim society of Bangladesh is famous for its kindness and generosity of spirit during Ramadan. The month is characterized by a surge in acts of charity, with numerous individuals and organizations providing food and other necessities to the poor. With the economic hardships rising, however, many are concerned that they will not be in a position to engage in these acts of charity with the same vigor as before.
As Ramadan nears, Bangladesh's Muslim population is preparing itself for a difficult month to come. The hike in prices of necessities and the unavailability of staple foods have filled the hearts with uncertainty and fear. Though the government's initiative to try and solve the problem is welcomed, most feel that more has to be done to ease the pain of the common man. As the community goes about preparing for the holy period of Ramadan, they can merely wish that things improve economically for them so they may concentrate on their religious duty without too much suffering.