Staff Reporter :
Aiming to break syndications and contain the rising prices of essentials while facilitating benefits for farmers, the interim government is considering opening an alternative agricultural market.
Labour and Employment Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan revealed this plan on Thursday, stating that this new market will operate alongside conventional markets to curb the influence of syndicates.
The Adviser made these comments while speaking to journalists after inaugurating the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh’s (TCB) mobile truck sales program in Tejgaon, Dhaka.
He mentioned that farmers would be able to sell their produce directly in the alternative market.
He also pointed out that the rising prices of essentials were largely due to syndicates and middlemen, and the government is actively working to dismantle such syndicates.
Additionally, Commerce Secretary Salim Uddin emphasized during the same event that the government will take strict action against anyone who raises prices excessively for profit or creates an artificial crisis.
He noted that the government is monitoring all stages of import, production, wholesaling, and retailing.
Earlier on Wednesday, the TCB announced that essential items like edible oil, lentils, and rice, provided by the Directorate General of Food, will be sold to the general public at subsidized rates through 50 trucks in the Dhaka metropolitan area and 20 trucks in Chattogram. This initiative will continue until November 30.