Claiming that extortion has become rampant, large traders have blamed the authorities for failing to ensure a smooth supply of essential commodities.
At a meeting yesterday on commodity supply in the upcoming Ramadan, they said they are forced to pay middlemen as police inaction has allowed such practices to continue unchecked.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) organised the view exchange meeting, where traders from Shyambazar, Moulvibazar and Karwan Bazar also called for steps to stop harassment by public officials and to curb market manipulation by large companies.
Mohammad Farid Uddin, president of the Shyambazar Agricultural Products Traders’ Association, alleged that extortion has become widespread. “We pay extortions twice, once while loading and again while unloading goods,” he said.
He added that police remain silent despite being aware of the situation.
“There is another problem, the middlemen,” he said. “Between the traders and the sellers, there are farias [touts] in Dhaka. They must be eliminated. Because of them, prices rise by 10 to 20 percent.”
Omar Faruk, president of the Karwan Bazar Wholesale Traders’ Association, said market stability depends entirely on an uninterrupted supply chain.
“If goods flow properly, prices will remain stable,” he said, urging that traders be allowed to conduct business “without fear.”
He also demanded uniform pricing for soybean oil. “Different companies are selling at different rates. Price discipline must be ensured,” he said.
At the programme, former FBCCI director Md Gias Uddin Chowdhury urged the authorities to take stringent action against extortion. “I am not just talking about controlling extortion. I am talking about concrete steps to stop it,” he said.
TRADERS ACCUSE CORPORATES, GOVT OFFICIALS
Shyambazar Traders’ Association President Farid Uddin said corporate businesses are deceiving consumers.
“The word ‘corporate’ sounds beautiful, but inside it hides something rotten. They buy something for Tk 3, put it in a new packet, and sell it for Tk 40,” he commented.
“If you go to the market, and buy rice, lentils, sugar or oil; you will see the reality yourself,” he added.
Moulvibazar Traders’ Association President Bashir Uddin alleged that during crises, refiners supply edible oil only to selected dealers, creating artificial shortages.
He, too, demanded an end to extortion.
Meanwhile, Zakir Hossain, president of the Super Market Owners’ Association, said harassment by public officials has become a regular obstacle.
“Every Ramadan, prices go up, and due to weak monitoring, a few traders take advantage of the situation,” he said, criticising large corporate firms for “unjust business practices”.
COMPLAINTS OVER HIGH DUTIES, INTEREST RATES
At the programme, fruit importers complained about high import duties.
“If the import price of dates is Tk 100, we pay Tk 200 in duties,” said Sirajul Islam, president of the Fruit Importers’ Association. “High customs valuations not only raise import costs but also create scope for money laundering.”
At the event, former FBCCI director Chowdhury voiced concern over high bank interest rates. “It had soared to 18 percent. Why cannot they be brought down to a single digit?” he asked.
CORPORATES WANT CONSISTENT ENERGY SUPPLY
Representatives of major companies said energy shortages and logistical issues continue to hamper production.
Meghna Group Deputy General Manager Taslim Shahriar said low gas pressure during winter affects sugar production.
“If gas supply remains stable, mills can produce enough sugar and keep prices normal,” he said.
TK Group Director Shafiul Athar Taslim proposed that the government directly import 400,000 to 500,000 tonnes of sugar and edible oil before Ramadan.
“If the government imports, the burden on private companies will ease, and traders will face less harassment,” he said.
‘LOGICAL CONCERNS’
At the programme, Farida Yasmin, second secretary of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and Abu Saleh Mohammad of the commerce ministry described the traders’ complaints as “logical” and said they would be placed before higher authorities for further action.
The meeting was chaired by FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan.
He urged all business chambers and associations to help maintain stable prices and an uninterrupted supply of essential goods.
“Law enforcement agencies will be urged to ensure extortionists cannot operate,” he said, adding that “all concerned departments must remain alert to prevent food adulteration.”
He said the opinions and complaints raised at the meeting would be shared with the NBR and the commerce ministry for necessary action.
Among others, Mizanul Hoque, senior vice-president of the Maize Association Bangladesh; and Jalal Uddin, president of Biscuit Manufacturers Association also spoke.