Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today blamed the Covid-19 fallout and Russia-Ukraine war behind the soaring prices of daily essentials. "Prices of essentials have seen a marked rise not only in Bangladesh but also elsewhere in the world due to the Covid-induced global recession. That's why prices have increased in every country of the world," she said. Hasina said this while addressing a discussion marking the historic March 7 Speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Awami League organised the discussion at its central office at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue. Sheikh Hasina joined the programme virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban. Hasina also said, an unwarranted situation erupted when Russia attacked Ukraine. "The negative impact of that incident has struck the world and we're also facing the repercussions of that." The Prime Minister said maybe the prices of some items are going up at the domestic market due to the impacts of price hike in the international market.

"Naturally, prices go up in the domestic market when those go up in the global market as the impact falls everywhere," she said. Besides, she said, there are some people who always try to make money taking advantage of such a situation.

"They want to make a quick buck through hoarding goods." Hasina said the government has made arrangements for monitoring the market. She urged all to utilise every inch of land for farming to avoid food shortage in the country. AL general secretary Obaidul Quader delivered the welcome speech at the programme.