File photos show green chilli, aubergine, garlic and onion. — New Age photos

The government has lifted the ban on exports of green chilli, aubergine, onion and garlic, which was imposed ahead of Ramadan, although the prices of the items have increased in the local market in last few weeks.
The commerce ministry in an order said that as the ban on exports of the essential items was imposed until August 31 there was no restriction in exporting the four items at present.
The ministry on July 9 imposed the ban, as per recommendation of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to keep the prices of the commodities stable during the month of Ramadan.
In the first week of July, the prices of green chilli had surged to Tk 100 a kg from around Tk 50 a week earlier, aubergine to Tk 40 from Tk 30, onion to Tk 24-Tk 35 from Tk 18-Tk 24 and garlic to Tk 50-Tk 100 from Tk 40-Tk 90 per kg.
Although the price of chilli decreased to Tk 40 a kg by the middle of Ramadan in August after the ban was imposed, the item was selling at Tk 60 on Thursday.
Prices of other three items also decreased slightly by Tk 1-Tk 5 in Ramadan, but aubergine was selling at Tk 50, onion Tk 26-Tk 35 and garlic Tk 60-Tk 110 on Thursday.
A retailer at Karwan Bazar told New Age on Thursday evening that the
government decision to withdraw the ban might push up the prices of the items again.
Bangladesh exports vegetables and fruits to Middle East, the UK and other countries, for migrant workers and non-resident Bangladeshis.