The Bangladesh Coast Guard has conducted a joint operation to prevent artificial shortages and price volatility of essential commodities ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, Coast Guard media officer, said on Monday morning that intelligence indicated some unscrupulous traders were hoarding food items on various lighter vessels in Chittagong Outer Anchorage to create artificial scarcity.
Acting on the information, a coordinated operation was carried out on Sunday, from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The operation involved Coast Base Chattogram, the Department of Shipping, and Chattogram Port authorities, covering a total of 27 commercial and lighter vessels.
To ensure stable prices and prevent market shortages, the Coast Guard has intensified round-the-clock monitoring of Chittagong Port and the Outer Anchorage.
Under port directives, no lighter, coaster, or oil tanker carrying food items or edible oil is allowed to remain in anchorage for more than 72 hours.
Edible oil-laden vessels are being dispatched promptly to their destinations, and legal action is taken against vessels violating regulations.
Lieutenant Commander Haq added that the Coast Guard will continue such operations to maintain normal supply of essential commodities and prevent artificial shortages in the interest of the public.
