The effect of rising commodity prices on educational materials

Ramzan Ali, Satkania (Chittagong): The prices of educational materials are increasing in line with the increase in the prices of daily necessities. Local stationery traders in Satkania Upazila claim that the prices of educational materials are going up due to the rise in prices of essential commodities. Due to coronavirus, all types of educational institutions were closed for about a year and a half under the direction of Bangladesh government. However, after the opening of the educational institution, the price of educational materials has suddenly gone up. It can be seen that the prices of various educational materials shops in Satkania Upazila have gone up by almost 50 percent. The practical book is now 40 rupees for 40 rupees, 60 rupees for 80 rupees. The price of pen has increased from 10 to 20 rupees per dozen. Marker pens have gone from Rs 25 to Rs 30 per piece. Simple calculator 80 rupees 120 rupees, 991 x 1500 to 1800 rupees, 991 x plus 1350 to 1800 rupees, 991 MS 750 to 1000 rupees. Geometry box 70 to 80 rupees, 100 rupees to 120 rupees. 300 page book from 50 rupees to 75 rupees, 120 page book from 30 rupees to 35 rupees, color paper rim from 320 rupees to 400 rupees. Mini file 15 to 20 rupees each. Zipper file 25 to 30 rupees. Register book 300 pages 120 to 140 rupees, 500 pages 180 to 200 rupees. The scale of plastic and steel has increased from Rs 20 to Rs 50 per dozen. Many businessmen think that the companies are increasing the prices of these items because the stationery companies have not been able to do business due to the closure of educational institutions for the last one and a half years. A representative of stationery products sales, who did not want to be named, said that the prices of our company's products have gone up due to rising prices of various raw materials in the international market. Meanwhile, the students said, "We are suffering because of the increase in the price of education materials because we do not have any income but we have to buy education materials at higher prices." We also need to photocopy various reference books and notes to take lessons. The cost of photocopying has increased in the last one month. Md. Morshedul Alam, owner of Ardash Library, said, "We are selling goods at 5 to 10 per cent profit from the price at which we are buying from the company." There is confusion among consumers due to rising prices. Sales have already dropped due to rising commodity prices. A parent of a school-going student said, "My income has already declined due to coronavirus. My three sons and daughters are in school and due to the sudden increase in the price of educational materials they are using. If the price of educational materials goes up like this, it will not be possible for lower and middle class families like us to read and write for boys and girls.