Reuters AlertNet Lite - Bangladesh deploys troops to sell foodstuffs

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Bangladesh deploys troops to sell foodstuffs

17 Mar 2007 07:36:28 GMT
Source: Reuters

DHAKA, March 17 (Reuters) - Bangladesh's army-backed interim government, which has launched a crackdown on corruption, has called in paramilitary troops to sell food and other essentials in an effort to curb prices.

A large number of residents have been queuing in makeshift shops set up by the Bangladesh Rifles in the capital Dhaka to buy pulses, potatoes, onions, garlic and ginger at fixed prices.

"Sale of goods by the troops has already made an impact in the markets, where prices of some stuffs have started declining over the last two days," said Shamsul Islam, a resident.

Prices of essential foodstuffs had risen between 30 to 70 percent since January because supplies from the countryside had been disrupted after the army launched a quality inspection drive, traders said.

Several warehouses had been shut down by the army after it said it found rotting foodgrains, adding to the panic.

An official said the Bangladesh Rifles, which is normally deployed on the border, were operating 17 shops in Dhaka to sell essential goods.

Residents say that these shops must also sell rice and meat, which a Bangladesh Rifles officer said could be introduced soon.

"This kind of intervention can influence the market to ensure price competitiveness," he said.

Traders involved in market manipulation or hoarding to push profits up would be tracked down and caught by security forces, the administration has said.

Bangladesh imposed emergency in January after weeks of political violence and a caretaker administration has since detained more than 160 political figures in a drive against corruption.

($1 = 69.00 taka)

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Last updated:Sat Mar 17 07:37:40 2007