Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian on Thursday urged wholesalers at Khatunganj to cut prices of essential commodities ahead of Ramadan, warning against artificial shortages and unreasonable hikes.
“Prices should fall during festivals — we must build such a culture,” he said during a visit to the country’s largest wholesale market around 11:00am, where he exchanged views with traders.
He said any attempt to raise prices unjustifiably or harass consumers centring Ramadan would not be tolerated. Khatunganj plays a key role in determining commodity prices nationwide and price reductions there would positively influence markets across the country, he added.
Mobile courts later conducted drives in Khatunganj, Reazuddin and Boropol areas, filing 14 cases and imposing fines totalling Tk28,000. Monitoring will continue throughout Ramadan, the DC said.
He said essential prices were relatively stable compared with previous years and no major complaints of price hikes had been received so far. Traders were urged to avoid blame-shifting and prioritise public interest.
To ensure transparency, he directed traders to issue proper receipts for every transaction and asked wholesalers to include contact numbers on invoices supplied to retailers for verification if required.
“There is no scope for syndicates or artificial crises. Strict legal action will be taken if any irregularity is found,” he said.
According to district administration sources, prices of chickpeas, sugar, edible oil and dates rose over the past week. Although large volumes were imported ahead of Ramadan, some goods were allegedly kept in lighter vessels at sea, raising concerns of artificial shortages. Officials said the consignments were released after government warnings.
Traders denied any supply shortage or extortion and said prices of many items had declined. Some retailers, however, alleged that increases at the wholesale level were affecting retail markets.
Khatunganj Trade and Industries Association President Mohammad Abdus Salam said traders assured the administration of cooperation to keep prices stable. General Secretary Md Aminur Rahman Mintu said most commodities were cheaper than last year, though some saw slight adjustments after earlier sharp declines.
