Index of EWU Authors - East West University

Abstract of Published Papers 2008Business and EconomicsSmall and Medium Enterprise Development in Bangladesh (ed. by Muhammad Z. Mamun& Sheikh Morshed Jahan, Published by Amdib, Dhaka, 1 st Edition), pp. 147-174, 2008,(ISBN 984-300-001895-5)The Impact of Emergency Price Control Measures on Small Importers ofEssential Commodities and Subsequent Long Term Affect on NationalEconomySardana Islam Khan*, Taskina Ali*AbstractIncreasing price trend of essential commodities has always been the main source of criticismof the ruling government in Bangladesh. All emergency price control measures so far takenare supported by substantial government expenditure that may lead to subsequent pressureson tax payers’ money while immensely damaging the small and medium scale importer’sexistence. The objective of this study is to emphasize on the impact of emergency pricecontrol measures on small and medium importers in Bangladesh. The study highlights themeasures taken by governments of other countries and their unique context. The studyhighlights the possibility that immediate measures are not only unnecessary but harmful forour economy. The study also focuses on the fact that the market of our essential goods islargely dependent on import and the small importers are massively victimized by the extremeurge to reduce the retail price. In order to find out the actual consequences, the authors haveconducted an in-depth interview on ten small and struggling importers in Bangladesh. Bycombining the findings of the interview and the history of price control measures in othercountries, the authors have suggested that government should shift its focus to more effectiveand long term price control measures that can actually protect the interest of the smallimporters along with buyers.* Department of Business Administration, East West University, 43, Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka-1212. Email address: sardana@ewubd.edu12