Md. Mizanur Rahman, Chapainawabganj: Importers have demanded opening of import permits or IP for importing onions from India. Importers of Sona Masjid land port in Chapainawabganj made this demand at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

The importers also expressed hope that the price of onion in the retail market will come down to Tk 40 if imports increase.

Ekramul Haque, president of Chapainawabganj Import Export Group, read out a written statement at the press conference.

It was informed at the press conference that in August, some importers were given permission to import 50 metric tons of onions. Only two days later, the permission was stopped again. However, later a syndicate is trying to get IP through a court order. If this happens, the onion market will go into the hands of a syndicate. For this, they demanded that the IP of onion be opened.

Importers claim that due to the stoppage of imports, onion prices are being sold at Tk 80 per kg. If imports increase, the prices will come down to Tk 40.

Arif Uddin, general secretary of the Import Exporter Group, importer Abdul Awal were also present among others at the press conference.