By Sadik Ahmed Pranto :
In a village, a farmer harvests paddy. He hopes the money he earns will feed his family. However, he never gets the fair price for his hard work. A businessman buys the paddy at a low price and sells it in the city for a much higher price. This is where unequal product distribution begins. It is an invisible form of exploitation. Rich businessmen keep profiting while poor people are forced to sell their products for less. This stops them from changing their lives.
In Bangladesh’s economy, this unequal system of distribution has become a strong tool for exploitation. There are mainly three types of products: luxury goods, normal goods, and inferior goods. These product types reflect economic inequality. They create gaps between the rich and the poor. Capitalism and syndicate power are slowing down the country’s economic growth.
Luxury goods are used by rich people. For example, expensive cars, big houses, and branded clothes. Poor people cannot afford these.
In 2022, 10,236 cars with engines of 1800cc or more were registered. In 2021, the number was 7,602. [Bonik Barta, Feb 2, 2023]
Even in a financial crisis, spending on luxury goods is rising. This shows income inequality. The more luxury items are sold, the more tax the government collects. But most of the tax comes from the poor, as they earn money through hard work. Rich people often avoid paying taxes by using offshore accounts.
In the end, the poor carry the burden of taxes.
Normal goods are basic daily needs, like rice, vegetables, lentils, and oil etc . Everyone needs them. But syndicates often stockpile these goods to sell them later at higher prices. As a result, poor people have to spend most of their income just on food.A news report said rice prices increased by 4–5 taka per kg in one month. [Kaler Kantho, Jan 24, 2025] However, worker wages have not increased, making it hard for them to buy even basic items.
Inferior goods are low-quality items, mostly used by poor people. Rich people do not need them. Examples include coarse rice, wheat, and cheap clothes. Businessmen don’t want to distribute these because they don’t make much profit. But even here, they try to exploit.
For example, in Shalla Upazila, there were reports of underweight and fake-name distributions of subsidized rice. [Inqilab, April 6, 2024]
In Bangladesh, government banks give low-interest loans. But the rich use their power and identity to get these loans. The poor don’t get access, so they take high-interest loans from private banks.
In 2016–17, 176 billion taka was allocated for farmers. But they had to bribe to get it. [Prothom Alo, Dec 7, 2024]
So, most of the funds meant for farmers are stolen.
Poor people repay their loans because they fear the law. But the rich know they can avoid paying. Even if they don’t repay, the government helps them because they own the “means of production” and control knowledge, society, politics, and the state. These oligarchs do not want to give fair wages. They keep the system unfair to maintain control. As a result, The poor lose in the subsidy competition and live hard lives.
During Eid, garment owners increase exploitation. They delay paying workers and try to cheat them. They take bank loans to pay workers and expect government subsidies in return. This way, garment owners get richer and richer.
Recently, garment workers in Gazipur and Tongi protested for salaries and demands. This shows existing inequality.
During Eid, rich families celebrate with joy. But workers, farmers, and rickshaw pullers don’t enjoy. Every day is the same for them because they struggle just to eat. Eid seems to them like an ordinary day.
Educated people must raise awareness among low-income people about injustice.Poor people don’t want charity. They want fair prices and access to basic resources.
Farmers don’t get fair prices for their crops. They are forced to sell at low prices. Even when the government changes, their situation stays the same. Distributors buy from farmers at 5 taka per kg and sell to consumers at 25 taka. This hurts both farmers and buyers. It happens with many goods.
To stop this, the government must take strong action. Prices should be fixed. Syndicates must be stopped.
Digital platforms must connect farmers directly to consumers. Bank loans must be fair and easy for poor people.
Trade unions and civil society must protect workers’ rights.To break this cycle of inequality, government, civil society, and educated people must work together.
We must remember—labor is the real wealth.If we deny fair rights to laborers, we question the foundation of justice and civilization.
The writer is a columnist and
student, English Department, Gopalgonj Science and
Technology University.