Bangladesh, Aug. 4 -- A sharp rise in green chilli prices has added to the financial strain on consumers, prompting the government to slash import taxes and approve immediate imports in an effort to stabilise the market and ease pressure on household budgets.

Green chillies are currently selling for Tk 320 to Tk 380 per kilogram in markets across the capital, although prices climbed to as high as Tk 400 per kg just two to three days ago, leaving many consumers struggling to afford one of the country's staple cooking ingredients.Price Comparisons

Against this backdrop, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin-ur-Rashid and State Minister for Food Md Abdul Bari visited Shantinagar kitchen market in D...