Please be considerate

Even though the nation, and indeed the whole world, is currently in the grips of a global pandemic in the form of the rapidly spreading Covid-19 virus, this does not mean that we need to start hoarding essential supplies. 

It is troubling to see certain people in the capital indulge in panic purchasing -- as the practice is commonly known -- in the midst of a global health crisis, as it shows nothing but utter disregard for the well-being of their fellow citizens. 

In this regard, it is indeed heartening to see Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself chiming in on the matter, at once admonishing panic purchasers for their negligent behaviour and ensuring everyone that there is no need to hoard essential goods as Bangladesh has more than adequate stock. 

The PM rightly states that panic purchasing helps absolutely no one, as the prices of essential commodities soar if markets witness a pressure due to purchasing of excessive goods by the people. 

When the coronavirus crisis initially hit the nation, general stores and pharmacies engaged in the illegal practice of price gouging, where they were artificially charging higher-than-usual prices for items such as hand sanitizers and protective masks. But, thankfully, the government ensured that the prices were capped. 

Panic purchasing only gives vendors further incentive to gouge prices, and even though law enforcement has taken measures to ensure that vendors stay in line, as consumers, we also have a part to play. 

The coronavirus pandemic is a multi-layered issue that will require the cooperation of everyone in the nation. From our health workers, to the government, to the common people. 

As citizens, one of the more important ways that we can help is by being considerate of our fellow countrymen and women.