Onions are being flown to Bangladesh from Turkey, Egypt, Afghanistan and UAE on emergency basis at the initiative of the Commerce Ministry to keep the local market stable.

The tear-jerking prices of onion, a common ingredient in Bangladeshi kitchen – have been making headlines in Bangladesh since last September after India banned its export.

Various government measures could not bring down the prices that have soared to Tk 250 per kilogram.

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TBC) is importing onion from Turkey, S Alam Group from Egypt and several other companies from Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates, according to a PID handout issued Friday.

Besides, onion consignments trapped due to severe cyclonic storm ‘Bulbul’ at Teknaf landport, Chattogram seaport and some others places will reach the country shortly. 

The prices of onion will come down soon as the Commerce Ministry has taken necessary measures, the handout said.

Strict legal action will be taken against traders who stocks onions to make huge profits or try to create artificial crisis.

The law enforcement agencies are monitoring the onion markets. Several teams formed by the Ministry of Commerce are monitoring the kitchen markets. 

Meanwhile, National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate is conducting drive in the markets to check price. Meanwhile, locally produced onions have started entering the markets.

TCB is selling onion at lower prices at important points of the city to allow people get the ingredient at a cheaper price.

“The supply of onion and its prices will become stable within a short time,” the Commerce Ministry said.