Compared to 2021, the price of Pangash fish has increased by 47 percent in 2023. The price of this fish is less than other fish. Which is one of the food of low income people. Pangus fish is very important in meeting the protein needs of low-income people. The price of that pangash fish has increased regularly. However, the price of low-end cigarettes did not increase.
During that period, the price of low-end cigarettes increased by 15.38 percent. Low-income people are generally low-level cigarette consumers. Due to non-increase in price, low-end cigarettes remain within the reach of low-income people. This has increased consumer and health risks.
Speakers said these things in the press conference organized by demanding to effectively increase the price of all types of tobacco products in the budget of 2024-2025 fiscal year to protect public health. Research and advocacy organization Pragya (Knowledge for Progress) and Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance-Atma organized the press conference at the National Press Club on Saturday.
In the press conference, it was demanded to raise the final retail price of every 10 cigarettes from Tk 45 to Tk 60 at the lower level. Speakers said that according to the World Health Organization, the amount of income a person needs to spend to buy 100 packs of cigarettes is 15 percent less than before, which suggests a significant increase in the price of low-end cigarettes.
It was said in the press conference that the analysis of NBR data showed that the market share of low end cigarettes was only 25 percent in 2006-07. Which increased massively to 75 percent in 2020-21. However, the price of low-end cigarettes did not increase at that rate.
In the press conference, the analysis of the average retail price of daily necessities in seven cities was discussed from the information published on the website of the Department of Agriculture Marketing. Compared to 2021, the price of open sugar increased by 89 percent, potato by 87 percent, flour by 75 percent, pangus fish by 47 percent, eggs by 43 percent, soybean oil by 34 percent, milk powder by 30 percent, and broiler chicken by 27 percent. There, the price of low-end cigarettes has increased by 15.38 percent.
Highlighting that information, the speaker said, low-grade cigarettes remain within the reach of low-income people. Which increases the health risk of low income people.
Economist was present at the press conference. Kazi Khalikuzzaman Ahmad, Research Director of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies. Mahfuz Kabir, Pragya Executive Director ABM Zubair.
AH
