Staff Correspondent:

A citizens’ march was held in Chattogram city on Saturday demanding strict government measures to prevent artificial crises and market manipulation of essential commodities during Ramadan.

The rally organised by Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Chattogram and Youth CAB Chattogram began from  historic Oli Khan Majidi Square in Chawkbazar and proceeded towards Jamal Khan Press Club, protesting price hikes under excuses such as VAT increases, dollar shortages, and supply issues.

CAB Vice President S M Nazer Hossain  and Youth CAB Chattogram Metropolitan President Abu Hanif Noman, among others, joined the march programme.

Speakers criticised unscrupulous traders for creating artificial shortages and price manipulation during the holy month of Ramadan, making life difficult for ordinary people.

They accused market syndicates of exploiting excuses like VAT hikes and dollar shortages to raise prices despite adequate stock and imports.

They also alleged that regulatory authorities remain silent in the name of ‘humanitarian considerations’ for businesses, which exacerbates the crisis.

Despite ample supply, soybean oil is disappearing from the market, and even when available, it is being sold at exorbitant prices,they said.

The march called for strong legal action against hoarding and market syndicates and urged citizens to practice restraint while purchasing essentials during Ramadan.

The speakers urged consumers to buy weekly instead of monthly to prevent market instability.

They also recommended distributing cash to the poor instead of iftar packages, allowing them to buy necessary items based on their needs.

They further urged wealthy people, businesses, and political organisations to ensure affordable food for the underprivileged throughout Ramadan, rather than limiting support to a single iftar meal for publicity purposes.

They also suggested consumers to report price manipulation, hoarding, and unfair practices to the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection hotline (16121) or CAB’s contact numbers.