Desk Report: Despite the government's decision to reduce taxes on 63 essential commodities in the national budget, consumers have yet to see any meaningful decline in retail prices, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has alleged.In a statement issued on Sunday, CAB Vice President SM Nazer Hossain said the tax relief, which was intended to reduce import and distribution costs, has failed to translate into lower prices for consumers. Instead, he claimed that prices of several essential items, including rice and soybean oil, are continuing to rise.The government, in its first budget under the BNP administration, reduced source tax on a wide range of essential goods—including paddy, rice, wheat, flour, livestock, poultry, fish, onions, garlic, ginger, salt, sugar, edible oils, seeds and other agricultural products—from previous rates of 5 percent, 2 percent and 1 percent to just 0.5 percent. Source tax on all edible oils was also cut from 1 percent to 0.5 percent.According to Hossain, the government expected the tax reductions to lower import and marketing costs, ultimately benefiting consumers through reduced retail prices. However, he alleged that traders are instead preparing to increase prices of some products.He criticized traders for arguing that existing stocks had been imported at higher costs and that only future consignments might reflect the impact of lower taxes. At the same time, he noted that products on which duties had actually been increased were already being sold at higher prices, raising questions about what he described as a "double standard" in pricing practices. Hossain also blamed weak market monitoring and what he termed a business-friendly approach by regulatory authorities for the continued instability in the essential commodities market. "The government, as the market regulator, appears to be maintaining the same business-friendly stance as the previous administration instead of taking effective regulatory action," he said. He further alleged that, rather than taking action against unscrupulous traders, some local authorities were effectively endorsing them. In some districts, he claimed, officials had even awarded "certificates of honesty" to traders, while neglecting the interests of consumers. The CAB leader also pointed out that the budget abolished the 5 percent regulatory duty on imported spices and dates. However, he said the benefits of that policy have yet to reach consumers, with prices of several spices—including cinnamon, cloves, mace, poppy seeds, cashew nuts and almonds—continuing to rise in many markets. Traders have maintained that price adjustments may occur only after new consignments imported under the revised tax structure reach the market. Hossain questioned the rationale behind the government's revenue sacrifice if consumers ultimately receive no benefit. Referring to statements made by government ministers during the post-budget parliamentary session, Hossain said ministers had expressed hope that tax reductions would lead to lower prices for essential goods. However, he said those expectations have not materialized. He expressed particular concern over the continued rise in rice prices, describing rice as one of the most important components of the country's food security. Hossain also criticized the role of district administrations, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and other government agencies, alleging that they have remained largely inactive in controlling the market.  He warned that unless effective market oversight is ensured and consumers receive the intended benefits of the budgetary tax concessions, public confidence in the Prime Minister's vision of a "people-friendly budget" could be undermined.