In view of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, there is a rush to make laccha semai (fried vermicelli) and chikon semai (vermicelli) in Bogra. Laccha Semai (fried vermicelli) and Chikon Semai (vermicelli) are being made in 200 small and big factories. These semai made by Bogura go to different parts of the country apart from the 16 districts of the northern region. Various companies make laccha semai from Bogra in their packets and sell them under their own branding across the country. Businessmen say that on the occasion of Eid, about 20 thousand tons of laccha semai (both normal and ghee fried) will be produced in various factories. The market value of which will exceed 300 crore taka.
According to Uttarbanga Parishad Bangladesh Bread Biscuit and Confectionery Manufacturers Association of Bogra, more than two hundred factories of Bogra brand (packaged vermicelli) and non-brand (open vermicelli) are making different types of laccha semai (Fried vermicelli) in Ramadan. Around five thousand workers of the district are working in these factories. Lachcha Semai (Fried vermicelli) made in Bogra is going to different parts of the country including Dhaka, Chittagong to satisfy the local demand. Last year, non-branded open laccha semai (Fried vermicelli) was sold at a wholesale rate of Tk 80-90 per kg. This time the price of that bribe has been estimated at 120-140 taka. Instead of Tk 200-240, brand box bags will be wholesaled at Tk 280-300. Last year, the fried laccha (vermicelli) with ghee was sold for 400 to 1,000 taka depending on the standard, this time the traders have to sell the same laccha (vermicelli) for 800-1600 taka.
Talking to traders, it is known that the prices of all the essential ingredients as raw materials for making Laccha Semai (vermicelli) have increased. Last year, the price of palm oil was Tk 17,000 per drum. Now the traders have to buy that drum of palm oil for 30 thousand taka. Dalda's situation is exactly the same. Dalda is most needed to make Laccha. Last year, the price of each 16 kg carton of Dalda was Tk 1,600. The price has increased and now the price per carton is 2 thousand 800 taka. The increase in the price of flour and flour has not stopped. Last year, the price of flour per bag of 74 kg was 2000 taka. Traders have to buy that bag of flour for three and a half thousand taka. That is, the price of flour has increased by Tk 1000-1100 per bag.
Bangladesh Bread Biscuit and Confectionery Manufacturers Association Co-General Secretary of Uttarbanga Parishad and MD of Khaja Confectionery Bayejid Sheikh said that prices are increasing everywhere including the world market. We have to face this situation even while buying raw materials. If you want to know the reason, we are being given an excuse for war in Ukraine and Russia. Although wheat for flour comes from Canada. Still had to buy at a higher price. He said, due to these reasons, the price of laccha semai has increased. Compared to last year, traders have to sell Semai at almost twice the price.
Iftekharul Alam Rizvi, assistant director of National Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection, Bogra office, said that raids are being conducted in various places ahead of Eid. Fake and expired Laccha Semai are being seized and destroyed. Such operations will continue.
JH
