Finance and Commerce Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed warned on Sunday that syndicate business practices would not be tolerated. He made the statement to reporters following a meeting with representatives from the poultry sector at the commerce ministry.

‘There will always be individuals who attempt to charge higher prices, but syndicate business practices will not be tolerated,’ he said.

Salehuddin acknowledged that current market prices are not entirely unsatisfactory and that efforts are ongoing to create a more favorable environment for consumers.

He noted that while price increases in Bangladesh tend to be persistent, they should not be seen as permanent. Efforts will be made to bring prices down once the underlying factors causing the increase are addressed.

The adviser emphasized the need to reduce the price gap between producers and retailers, citing underlying trade and commerce issues that need resolution.

Regarding essential commodities like chicken, Salehuddin stated that the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing would now set rational prices, while the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and Competition Commission would oversee market activities.

He also mentioned that producers have committed to increasing production, although some marketing inefficiencies need to be addressed. Salehuddin expressed optimism that the recent reduction in fuel oil prices would lead to lower transportation and related costs, which should be reflected in product prices.

The meeting was attended by Commerce Secretary Md Selim Uddin, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Mahmood Belal Haider, Bangladesh Competition Commission Chairman Pradip Ranjan Chakraborty, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission Chairman Moinul Khan, Director General of the DNCRP AHM Shafiquzzaman, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Reajul Huq, and leaders from the poultry sector.